Security checkpoints take a 4-1/2 hour break every day, at the same time each day, and let passengers board planes completely unchecked. Welcome to September 10, 2001 folks, (ABC has the story and video [hat tip Michael], also Drudge):
We've discovered a 4.5 hour time frame each night when virtually anything can be brought into the secure side of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. There's no metal detector, no X-ray machine, and it's apparently not a problem.
Afraid to show her face, one long time Sky Harbor employee talks about the security most people don't see.
Lisa Fletcher: "You're telling me Sky Harbor's not safe?"
Employee: "I'm telling you Sky Harbor's not safe and hasn't been for a long time."
It's what we discovered in the middle of the night - TSA agents going away, and security guards taking over. It's 4.5 hours - every night - when an employee badge becomes an all-access pass.
Night after night, our hidden cameras captured what security experts tell us is a disaster waiting to happen.
The X-ray machines were off, the metal detectors were closed, and bags with unknown contents were carried to the secure side of the airport where the planes are. (more)
A.C. at Fore-Left says:
As someone who's spent a fair portion of my career behind a security wall I'm here to tell you there are no absolutes. "We're safe" is the kind of language a politician uses when in front of the watchdog media crew or political debate. Life itself has never been "safe".That's not to excuse security breaches, only to say that people make mistakes. [snip]
Bottom line--what better example of the need for the traveling public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior? Hopefully Congress is listening. (read it all)
Don't miss A.C.'s other post, "White House: Bush may attack."
Personally, if this report is completely factual, it's a disgrace. The terrorists have a knack for finding the "weak link" in our security. This airport seems to be at least one weak link.
Other reading (from Right, Left, and Middle):
Pakistan: Fighting Taliban In Tribal Areas Intensifies, Peace and Freedom via Muhammad Khurshid
Khar, Bajaur Agency,Tribal Areas Pakistan. Also at Peace and Freedom: "US angers Pakistan over Al-Qaeda claims"
War Chick, Resa LaRu Kirkland, has the poem "THE INVOLUNTEERS" written by Russ Vaughn, here's a taste:
One thing to me rings loud and clear Through mainstream media sources: Libs don't understand, Volunteer, When it comes to our fighting forces. Their memories hark to former days, Dubious deferments due to classes, Craven cowering in cynical ways, Just to cover their cowardly asses.
THE TRUE STORY OF 9-11, No compromise When It Comes To Being Right
“Jihad Bee” Calls for Child Martyrs on Hamas TV., J6D Blog
Boycott farrago, normblog
A Trap for Fools by Uri Avnery, Snuffysmith's Blog
The Arab League in Israel, Philosopher's Playground
Random Thoughts on Foreign Policy, Republican Renaissance
Romney targeted by porn fighters, Illinois Review
A “Bellyful” of Right Wing Oil Frauds, War Crimes and High Treason, Fold / Spindle / Mutilate / 2.0
Want to Understand Islam? Start Here., By John L. Esposito, Washington Post
I'm sure Bush will jump right on this and call Chertoff on the carpet first thing tomorrow morning.
Posted by: Little Blue PD | July 23, 2007 at 09:57 PM
woah.. this is major scary!! In this day and age, how can this happen?!
Posted by: incognito | July 23, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Sky Harbor was the top story on the ABC Evening News. Nice going in beating them Debbie!
John
We are now active on johnibii
johnib is achived but viewable....
Posted by: John E. Carey | July 23, 2007 at 05:42 PM
"Employee: "I'm telling you Sky Harbor's not safe and hasn't been for a long time."
Everyone's on edge right now, and for good reason. Something is afoot, but I can't put a finger on it.
Posted by: BillT | July 23, 2007 at 02:22 PM