Security & Safety Briefs - Dec. 9 - Dec. 15
The Latest Headlines:
- L.A. Airport Watches for Portable Missile Attacks
- Kerik Withdraws Name for Homeland Security Director
L.A. Airport Watches for Portable Missile Attacks
Counterterrorism officials have taken steps to protect jetliners at Los Angeles International Airport from terrorists armed with shoulder-launched missiles, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.Despite a lack of credible intelligence, officials said the security measures were needed because portable weapons are easy to buy and are deadly, the Times said.
The security measures include increased police patrols around the airport, new perimeter fencing and expanded helicopter surveillance during terrorism alerts.
Kerik Withdraws Name for Homeland Security Director
The White House has renewed its search for a new homeland security director after President Bush's choice, Bernard Kerik, withdrew his name from consideration, news services reported.The department oversees 22 government agencies including the Transportation Security Administration and Customs. Last year, it also helped fund American Trucking Associations' Highway Watch Program.
Kerik told the Associated Press he realized he did not pay all required taxes for a family nanny-housekeeper and that the woman may have been in the country illegally.
Sen. Susan Collins, the Maine Republican who heads the Senate committee that will take up the nomination, said two good choices would be Asa Hutchinson, the department's undersecretary for border and transportation security, and Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), AP reported. Transport Topics
