Amid talk of possible carry-on ban, plane passenger charged with using backpack as dangerous weapon
Concerned about possible airline-focused terrorism targeting flights to Europe during the December holidays, officials in both the United Kingdom and the U.S. have been talking about potential enhancements in security measures as part of a coordinated response.
Among the options being discussed in both countries are a complete ban on carry-on luggage and requiring passengers to check electronic devices, including cellphones and laptop computers with other baggage, NPR reported Monday.
However, news of the possible ban quickly ignited opposition, and a TSA official said it the agency is not anticipating a ban on carry-on luggage. Some observers expect the airlines themselves may resist such measures because of a likely decline in passengers willing to travel under the restrictions, according to KTVT.
Meanwhile, an incident earlier this week at Logan International Airport in Boston shows it isn’t simply the contents of carry-on bags that can be dangerous to fellow passengers and airline personnel.
Apparently aggravated at being refused permission to take his L.L. Bean backpack aboard a flight to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a 53-year-old man swung it into a 74-year-old female security worker, Massachusetts State Police said. The blow knocked her to the ground and sent her to the emergency room complaining of pain in her right shoulder and hip, the Boston Globe reports.
A state trooper assigned to patrol the airport happened to be only about 10 feet away and witnessed the attack, quickly slapping the cuffs on Eric Brandhorst. He is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60 in the Boston Municipal Court case.
Arraigned Tuesday, he was released on his own promise to return to court in early February and told to stay away from Logan Airport, WBZ reports.
A Massachusetts State Police press release provides more details.
See also:
Travel Pulse: “TSA Seizes Record Number of Firearms in 2014”
