Good point. I doubt anyone can really define what "dangerous weapon" means legally.

http://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/criminal-law/title-4/subtitle-1/4-101/

Except the Maryland Government, of course. That only took me five seconds or so to find, but I'll be fair, it was the fourth listing on Google.

And to answer your question: none of those things qualify. I know, who woulda thought that crimes are actually statutorily defined?

So you are saying that TSA should have let him on the plane then?

Can you take duct tape on a plane?

plant.

Mark Trifecta

oh god i'm out numbered

Incredible that they found this stuff without fondling a child or groping anyone.

I have one just like that blue one, except mine has a red handle, and it is in the top drawer of my bedside table.

My wife and I once tried to carry a wedding gift of steak knives onto a plane, maybe 25 years ago at Stapleton, and they wouldn't let them through security, but they were friendly about it and the airline even checked them too. Whatever happened to friendliness and customer trust in the airline industry? All that should have happened was that they should have made the kid check his knives and pick them up later at baggage claim.

Wait, so the TSA actually caught some weapons before they went on a plane? And they didn't wind up on eBay?!?!?!?!?

The end is nigh people, i think this is one of the signs in Revalations- the one right after the rivers turning red, but before the Locust monsters that gave me nightmares as a kid...

Isn't it odd that the passenger had the same number of knives with him as his i.q. number....what an idiot!

And I bet Devil-1138528 would be the first to bytch at airport security had the passenger pulled knives out on the flight. Do whatever it takes to keep us safe aboard airplanes! Any idiot would know better than to try and board a plane with all of those potential deadly weapons!

Interesting reporting... "twelve switchblades & a butterfly knife". I only see one that _might— be a switchblade, and I don't think it really is, and I don't see anything in that photo that looks like a butterfly knife, either. Those are all just ordinary pocket knives as far as I can tell. Some of them have thumb studs or notches to make one-handed opening easier, but that doesn't make them switchblades by any stretch of the imagination.

The guy appears to have simply been a knife collector - and, of course, an idiot for putting his collection in his carry-on bag. Whoever put out the press release about the types of knives was about as big an idiot.

it clearly looks like the guy collects knives and a few of them looked nice. and definitely not very smart about how you check them in at the airport.

TSA was taking a nap on thiis one

Old Timer,

It was a different world 25 years ago. In reality, it is actually a bit surprising they stopped you then. Today is a totally different story. And these weren't a steak knife gift set! Anybody dumb enough to think he could bring these in his carry on, when it is common knowledge that they confiscate nail clippers, must have been living on a different planet for the last ten years! Just what was this guy thinking?

Bottom row, second from the right is almost definitely a butterfly knife... The top row, second from the left kinda looks like it could be a butterfly knife, too. I see at least two that could be switchblades, maybe 3, but you're right, most of these knives look like either standard pocket knives or wannabe military knives...

Switchblades and butterfly knives are illegal in Maryland. TSA couldn't just let him check the knives (which they do let you do with non illegal items), but in this case he broke Maryland law so he got arrested.

TSA doesn't have a lot of say in whether Maryland wants to enforce its laws.

none of the items you list are concealed.

I had a concealed colostomy bag for two months a few years ago - pat that down and break the seal and you would wish you were stabbed instead.

He either collects knives and is stupid, or is schizophrenic and therefore didn't even think about what would happen at the airport, there is the possibility that he been living in the woods for 11 years or lived in an isolated foreign country and just didn't know.

LOL, drainbramage!

Well stated, L in Princeton.

Sure, L. So long as you don't mind your constitutionally protected rights to be violated every time you fly. Thanks, Homeland Security.

As a TSA employee, thank you for your support & your your welcome. And your right. If we showed the public what we take away every day you would @!$%# your pants. But we don't have to prove anything to the nay sayers.

But we do like it when we get a compliment for a thankless job

IED1 -- don't take it personally. I have no problem with agents, as a rule, nor with the concept of security. I do take offense when constitutionally protected liberties are stripped from Americans in the name of security-- especially when more effective methods of preventing hijackings and bombings exist, but its not PC enough for American politicians to implement, despite its amazing track record in Israel. (It's called profiling, if you want to know). TSA has stepped over the line-- they're not security anymore, it's worse.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

WMG, then don't fly. It's your right to choose not to fly because you don't want to be put through the security screening. I don't think what the TSA has done is perfect, but I do recognize that it's not something I have to deal with. I can choose to drive/take a train to my destinations. I swear some people just complain to complain. The glass is always half empty. It's not violating our constitutional rights because no person is required to get on a plane. The screening is avoidable.

So long as you don't mind your constitutionally protected rights to be violated every time you fly. Thanks, Homeland Security.

When your "constitutionally protected rights" can potentially turn a passenger airline into a cruise missile, thereby potentially endangering my family, friends and fellow Americans, you can take your "rights" and shove them up your back end.

WMG- I don't care if TSA puts their hands down my pants- it still beats falling out of the sky from 36,000ft in little flaming pieces. If your so all fired concerned about your precious "right" not to be groped, then take Amtrak. God knows they could use the business.

Also, WMG, I notice how you blame your own country. So typical from people like you.

Not even one mention that your rights are being violated due to the threat from militant Islam. Nope... just Homeland Security and TSA. You're pathetic.

THANK YOU TSA! YOU PEOPLE ARE DOING GREAT PROTECTING MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Boy: This is fun, your constitutionally rights, you people would not have survived 1 hour in this country during WW1 and WW2, with your constitutionally rights bull, the Government just sent people to prison for the duration plus 1 year, if they wanted to. Believe me people we are just as much at war now, if not more now, as we were then. One of the main functions of Government is to protect its population. You may not like it but it is a fact of life, let a major event happen and you will be the first ones saying the TSA did not do their job. I know there are some of them, and I include some of there leaders that do not belong, but that is life. As for talking about what they do, that is the big problem of our Government and press corp. they talk to much. If these peole had been around during WW1 and WW2 the prisons would be over flowing.........

Meadic, you totally crack me up. I am sure you wont mind TSA putting their hands down your pants, sounds like you are enjoying it. Free gay hand job at the TSA

Exactly George! Thanks for showing me there are still some people in this country with common sense.

Yeah, Matador you talk big. But my guess is when the terrorist takes out a knife at 30,000 feet you will be the first one crying and begging him to spare your life.

When your "constitutionally protected rights" can potentially turn a passenger airline into a cruise missile, thereby potentially endangering my family, friends and fellow Americans, you can take your "rights" and shove them up your back end.

So by this statement police officers can pull anyone over at random and conduct a field sobriety test without probabe cause. This in fact turns a car into a lethal weapon potentially endangering your family, friends and fellow Americans.
Or, enter citizens homes with out probable cause because they MAY have weapons that are a danger to a your family, friends and fellow Americans.
How about security checks before entering a bank because someone may potentially rob the bank with a weapon putting your family, friends and fellow Americans in danger.

Where does it end?

WMG, I too have an issue with excessive security measures. But you come off as a huge hypocrite when you whine about "constitutionally protected liberties [being] stripped from Americans in the name of security" on one hand, while simultaneously promoting racial profiling on the other. It's OK for the government to infringe on people's liberties as long as it doesn't affect you or people with your religion, or people who have the same skin tone as you, eh?

Freedom from discrimination on the basis of race is one of the one of the constitutional liberties you claim to care so much for (see the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment). I'm pretty sure that Ben Franklin would consider allowing the goverment to stomp on the rights of whole sections of society to be "giving up essential liberty".

John, you can claim that this will be abused by other agencies. Like it's going to spin out of control. But I don't see that happening at all. Your comparison to a bank is ridiculous. The number of lives at risk are not even close to the amount of people on an airline not to mention the people on the ground as well as damage to property. That's just lame.

Flying is a privilege. Personally, I don't fly that much. And I dread the thought of a TSA pat down... but that's the world we live in. But, I will go through a pat down and feel sorry for the poor guy that has to do it to thousands of people a day.

You want to point your finger at someone? Point it where it should be pointed... AT MILITANT ISLAM!

I have another solution that I think would be suitable for all!!!

People will be able to bring WHATEVER they like on an airplane! There will be NO long lines at the airport.. you board your flight immediately!!!! AND NO TSA PAT-DOWNS!

Here is how it works:

When you board the flight, your ankles and wrists are locked into the seat for the entire duration. If you need to pee or worse, you do it right in your seat.

ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT with your CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT SECURE!!!!

With those knives he still couldn't get into the cockpit - the plane would not be going down. I can take my knitting needles on an airplane - per the approved list - but not a tiny pair of fingernail clippers. Or hang you with a belt, hit you with a shoe, punch you in the nose with my fist - you are not completely safe from an irate passenger.

I'm retired Bureau of Prisons so you would think I would have a more generous feeling towards TSA, another Fed. agency, but I don't. My experience with them has generally been less than charming. I've noticed more ill behavior towards the flying public than I ever noticed towards the inmates we watched including the dreaded pat-downs that we had to do.

And the imaging doesn't like my breast implants following my mastectomies so guess who has been called out!

If one is particularly frightened maybe they should do ground travel and leave those of us who don't enjoy the near mauling to risk the flying.

You do not have the constitutional right to carry a gun into a concert, Carry a knife on a plane or take a bow and arrow into Macys. See you don't have a right to go to a concert, fly on a plane or shop at Macys. These are all private concerns, and utilizing them is a privilege not a right. And as long as they do not discriminate in who they allow to do these things...then your rights have not been violated.

There is not one sane person who thinks you should be allowed to carry knives and guns on a plane

i agree "L"...if you dont want a pat down or scan, there is travel by car, or train or walking...TSA does a fine job as far as i can see...there may be a few rogue ones but 99 percent are doing a fine job...

You do not have the constitutional right to carry a gun into a concert, Carry a knife on a plane or take a bow and arrow into Macys. See you don't have a right to go to a concert, fly on a plane or shop at Macys. These are all private concerns, and utilizing them is a privilege not a right. And as long as they do not discriminate in who they allow to do these things...then your rights have not been violated.

"The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed".

"the Supreme Court has now definitively held that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia"

My rights are infringed every day.

Unfortunately gun control laws are necessary, or have we forgotten about the idiotic socially disfunctional immoral morons amongst us. It's the whole it only takes one jackass to ruin it for everyone else thing.

@Kristina-416455

But where does it end Kristina? What if a terrorist uses a semi loaded with explosives on a busy interstate? Then we need a "checkpoint" at every on-ramp?Why not go all the way and just have a TSA/FBI checkpoint on every street corner and every mile on every highway in the nation? Make sure you have your "Papers"!! Why not give up all your freedoms so you can be "safe" all the time? Freedom comes with a price, and giving up ANY freedoms for security simply means you're a coward, and not deserving of the freedoms others have fought and DIED for you to have.

The working method is somewhere in the middle, the Constitution helps define the middle. Where do you draw the line, cavity searches? So if someone used their ass to smuggle a threat on a plane, would all the "it's for our safety" folks above think that a cavity search would be an example of "they are keeping us safe". The people (like me) that complain think that radiation and groping are too far, given the odds of being harmed by a terrorist.

BTW, flying isn't a "privilege", it is a service that I pay for. The government has decided to regulate that service to the point where I think they are infringing on my civil rights.

For those people that say "you can drive if you don't like it", I would like to see you try to drive to Europe, and before you get all smart and say "you can take a boat", they have the same TSA check-points on boats now. It will only be a matter of time before some moron uses a motor vehicle to harm a bunch of people, will you still be ok when only "authorized personnel" being allowed to drive, or you having to file a "route profile" in advance, and have it approved prior to driving, and show your approved "route profile" to the authorities at the checkpoints between areas?

You have to draw the line somewhere, ours was back about a foot before groped and irradiated.

Vizzini-- the kind of profiling used by security in Israel is not racially based-- it's good old fashioned investigative profiling-- asking questions of passengers, where they're headed, what they're going to do when they get there-- making a profile of the passenger. It's based on body language, common sense and intelligence. Most people tend to sweat a lot when they have a bomb strapped to their chest. They can't tell you what they're going to do when they get to Philadelphia because they have no intention of reaching their anyway, they haven't thought further ahead than getting on the plane. Look up Israel's security measures in airports-- they're less invasive and more efficient. Their queues tend to be quicker too. Best of all? They haven't had a single hijacking, bomb or other terrorist attack since they implemented the process. We haven't implemented it here because it requires too much training-- all security in Israeli airports have higher education degrees. TSA have GEDs.

Remember, the shoe bomber only failed because his device didn't detonate. TSA didn't catch him, they cleaned up after him. Ditto with the underwear bomber. Good profiling would have raised red flags before they ever boarded. Bottom line, there is no real reason to force people to be groped or have nude pictures taken of them when other, more effective measures exist.

You are probably a sheeple believes everything the government says and does. After working for the government you learn all they do is protect their own jobs and not do much for us.

bw = 110% correct

BW, you are truly an idiot.

Yeah, we should go back to the days before 9/11.. after all, it worked so well on 9/10...

I wish there was a way you could take your chances with that guy BUT ONLY YOU. But, clearly you learned absolutely nothing from the 9/11 attacks. You see, there are other people on airlines that are NOT complete dumbasses like yourself and they could be killed as well. Also, there are still people on the ground and in skyscrapers they can be killed to. You see, on 9/11 that's how the terrorists were able to gain control of the plane with box cutters.

KNIVES are what turned AIRLINES into CRUISE MISSILES you freaking idiot!

Seriously, did you ever make it past 3rd grade?

Yeah, the TSA does absolutely nothing. RIGHT. I would love to ship all the morons like you to Afghanistan to get a first hand education on militant Islam and how much they want to see you stop breathing...

You would be pissing your pants running for the next flight back to America and kissing the feet of the first TSA agent you saw!

Are you like 10 years old? Because I have a hard time believing that anyone who lived through and witnessed the 9/11 attacks could make such stupid comments.

Believe me BW, if there was someway that you could be the only one killed, I would help you with your bags! AMF!

Actually, BW, I am an Instructional Aide in a Princeton elementary school right now. I went to college in Florida for aviation and have my pilot's license. I also enjoy feeling safe when I fly commercially.

But I do feel (no pun intended) I would make a terrific TSO! Thanks for the encouragement!

George W, I love you, and not that way, Anyone who spent a lot of time amongst the Muslims (and Just for you other people I did), they only respect force and hate woman, you should see the way they treat theirs, if they take over this country watch the woman scream, and everyone I met hated Gays. Just give them time and all you bleeding hearts and media people will find out. And just a tidbit we have more freedom now than after the war with England, if you don't believe me read an old history book, not the modern lies tought to my Grand children.

george washington says you would be the one pissing in your pants, no I wouldn't and I have no desire to go anywhere in the middle east. You probably have never even been out of the US. But I think this propaganda places like tsa spit out is full of it and makes no one safer.

Actually I have been quite successful and retired young. you probably are still working your ass off while I do with my days what I want.

L in princeton glad you do well but I just find it hard believing in all this over board paranoia. Rent a security makes no one safer and it is just another government empire with half brains running it.

It matters little if traditional weapons or non traditional weapons (i.e. spike heels) are used to hijack a plane. One thing holds true and that is that people are like sheep. All a bunch of cowards in a life threatening situation and can do nothing but scream like little girls instead of getting up, taking a risk, and tearing the terrorist apart. Don't even know if flight 93 events even happened. It's all speculation and a patriotic dream. People suck in groups.

Why the hell can't the TSA gropers be super hot females (for men)? I really wouldn't mind the pat down , then. Instead i get the Doc Martin's butch haircut chick or the tall bald African American handsy dude. Hire those Miss America women that didn't win. You need a better image.

Goerge Washington Says,How much Hot Air have you sucked in today?Perhaps the TSA has hired you to be their POSTER CHILD.After all your propaganda is passed from on Gas Bag Entity, the TSA, To Another, That's You!

What a Crock of Sh it!Heard it all before and ya know what?BLAH,BLAH, BLAH,BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!

So are you saying that TSA should just go away and let these guys on airplanes then?

Oh No-- we had security before TSA. Guns, knives and other nefarious objects were detained frequently prior to the inception of this insidious organization. Why the hell do you think the 9/11 hijackers used @!$%#ing BOX CUTTERS instead of big-ass Rambo-style survivor knives? Because they knew the knives would rouse suspicion at the security checkpoint. Common sense is one thing, the surrender of personal liberty out of fear is quite another.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

WMG, a knife is a knife. I make little distinction between them when I'm flying at 30,000 feet.

I could care less about YOUR personal security. You want to take your chances? FINE. Unfortunately, there is no way to ensure that fools like yourself won't get others killed. You know... people with common sense.

You can quote Ben Franklin all you want. Compared to the security and my friends and family, your silly quotes mean absolutely NOTHING.

Seriously, if there was a way that you could just show up at the airport, get right on the flight with 13 knives boy, and there was no chance that anyone else would be armed, I would help load your bags on the airplane. One less selfish @!$%# in America!

WMG you've lived too long in a post- 9-11 world. Back in 1996 I was moving from Arizona to Alaska, and I flew all my fishing gear up with me. I didn't want to check my tackle box, so I took it on the plane with me. In it I had a 10" fillet knife as well as multiple other knives I used for fishing (this was back when Leathermen's were still super expensive). When I went through the security checkpoint, the officer there asked me to open my tackle box up, looked at all the knives and told me to have a nice flight.

On the last part of that flight, I saw a guy bring on a set of 4 tires, rims included.

I swear they used to let you bring anything on that plane.

A person with a box cutter, or even a hundred box cutters, or even a freaking broadsword wouldn't have aroused even the slightest bit of suspicion. That's because nobody in their right minds would've imagined the use they'd be put to.

We need to remember, and this is a great example, just how much our perceptions changed due to 9-11.

That's true. I do a lot of woodworking, and I routinely carry a pocket knife. I collect some of them; I probably have 2 or 3 dozen. And I fly a lot. Back pre-9/11, I used to routinely fly with a knife in my pocket. I've boarded planes carrying a Gerber Fairbarn-Applegate folding combat knife. As long as the blade was under the limit for concealed weapons (in Ohio, I think it's a bit under 4"), they didn't bat an eye. We had an airline back in the '90s called People Express. It was literally a flying bus. You could go the airport and walk onto the plane without a ticket; they let you pay in the air. Back then, I used to show up at the airport for flights on People Express about 5 minutes before boarding time with a carry-on and just walk onto the plane.

It's a very different world now.

The initial comment made a good point. These knives were discovered when the carryon bag was put through an old-fashioned x-ray device. No one forcefully exposed (pun intended - right down to nipples, breast implants and labial folds) to radioactive scanners and no one molested. In other words, pre-TSA security. In other words, no TSA necessary.

The TSA didn't declare him a terrorist, but you can't bring knives on the plane and carrying "weapons" like he was violated Maryland law. That State decides what their law is and who to prosecute. TSA just caught him as they are supposed to be doing.

Nobody said he was planning or plotting anything. Assuming he indeed is a collector, he's obviously stupid. Most people who fly nowadays know the rules. Last time I booked a flight through Orbitz, they emailed me all pertinent information, including what one may take on board. 13 knives is not something you "just don't think about." The TSA people are just trying to do their job. Granted, like with any profession, there undoubtedly are some idiots amongst them. By the way, do you really cut fruit and cheese with the same knife you use for your fingernails? Yikes!

Look at the pic...he wasn't a collector. So if I collect bombs, then it;s cool with you if I take the seat next to you then? They aren't looking for your knife stupid, they find the knife while looking for a bomb.

The only one crossing over in to insanity, or really more like unbelievable stupidity, is you Shratboy.

schratboy

Way before 9/11/2001, I used to work in route sales. I always carried a very small box cutter attached to my key chain for convenience in opening my boxes while working. Once I forgot to leave my keys at home (they were in my purse) and I got stopped by airport security for having a "weapon". I threw away the box cutter, but I thought they were crazy for considering this tiny box cutter a weapon. Obviously I was wrong.

I believe we have strayed off point. The government has decided what is acceptable as carry-on. Someone violated the law, was charged accordingly, and will be able to answer the charges. No one was able to use the knives in a criminal way. The TSA decided to release the incident to the public. Period!

Absloutely!

Sounds good to me!

He should get the three years in prison and waterboarded until he tells the whole story. Nobody is that F'in stupid to pack 13 knives on a carry on..................

Good Job Ghost-Wolf, it took 10 years but you finally got it!!!!

That kind of thinking would have prevented 9/11!!!!!!!

I hate to break it to you George, but nothing would've prevented 9/11 from happening. You know, since they were carrying plastic box cutters, and not actual knives. Even if they weren't carrying any weapons, or been able to take over those planes, they could've done something else to attack the US. Those people are crazy stupid.

Christopher Eric Wey was found to be in possession of a small amount of C-4 while trying to board a flight from L.A. to Yuma Wednesday. Did you make the same stupid comment about him too?

Fake name, you realize that Wey means white guy in espanol, right?

The name is Hebrew, so he's probably an Israeli or of Jewish descent. Not playing the race card, only pointing out the origin of his name.

What do you care, fake vet joe?

Don't tell me your real name is Sa-heeb Bin Twel Head.

lol...

@ Michael-412302

See the point in this thread about folks trying to carry on-board strictly prohibited substances. How could someone be so oblivious in this day & age?

I have to take issue with your statement, "The name is Hebrew, so he's probably an Israeli or of Jewish descent."

Christopher???!!! Ummm...that would NEVER be a Hebrew (Jewish) name. Take a look at Wikipedia -- enter "Christopher (given name)". What made you think "Bearer of Christ" would be a Jewish name? And Wey -- not so Jewish. Oooh, was it "Eric" that tipped you off to the "origin of his name" ? Yeah, tons of Jews seek out Norse names for their kids. How the *** can you defend your statement? Michael, you ignorant slut.

Well, as long as we're "just sayin'"; his parents COULD be Messianic Jews which could be the reason of honoring Jesus with the name Christopher...or his last name COULD have been Weiberg, but was shortened...or he could have just changed his last name altogether...

The point is very well made...who cares what the heck his name is? He is finished in the armed forces.

I took a dinner knife on a plane once, how it got in my carry on I don't really know. Yes it was mine, Goodbye Oneida.

They said I could go mail it home, but I didn't really have the time. So tis gone.

While I regret losing it, (It was the good stuff and cost $20+ to replace, but you know I felt better about my safety that they found it. I make sure to thank the TSA people every time I go through security. They certainly do not deserve the nasty comments accusing them of being 'gropers' etc that you see on here. THose who hurl such insults at people who are doing a critical, hard and repetitive job such as this need to apologize. Give them a scowl you only make them feel worse and hurt their attitude even-more. Give them a kind word and you lift their spirits. Which do you think God wants you to do?

Not 12 of them!

Yeah, but a knife at 30,000 feet can turn a passenger airliner into a cruise missile.

Not a chance. Since it's illegal in Maryland it will probably be destroyed.

Yep klj just keep living in fear......

Yeah, Joe, nothing to fear alright. I wonder how the people who had to jump from the World Trade Center would respond to you if they could come back from the dead? I bet they would say... don't be afraid but be vigilant! (ie... don't be STUPID like you).

For good reason, knives are clearly prohibited. Angry facial expressions are not. Your conclusion is a non sequitur.

Knives at 30,000 feet can turn a passenger airliner into a cruise missile.

You want to get yourself killed, FINE. I really have no problem with that.

Funny how GWS seems to think a knife is going to turn a plane into a cruise missile. You are truly pathetic to think that traditional methods of security combined with working dogs would not accomplish the same results (or likely better) that the TSA employs without the hassle and invasive SOP of the TSA. Just because the security didn't confiscate the items in the past doesn't mean they didn't know they were there. 9/11 may have changed things, but ignorant fools like you are the only reason TSA exists. Last time I checked we had sky marshalls on flights and planes now have reinforced doors. Your point (much like your IQ) is moot.

Never take a bat to a bombfight.

No fear,Joe Veteran...just want to be safe on the plane I'm traveling on. Period.

I totally agree! Everybody and their dog knows what will be confiscated from a carry on bag. He should have checked a bag with the knives in them. Then he could have been on his way. BUT he was probably trying to save the money by NOT checking a bag. TSA isn't going to make an exception for what isn't allowed. If you don't like it don't fly.

Exactly. BOX-CUTTERS are what enabled the 9/11 terrorists to turn those planes into cruise missiles and select their targets at will.

They might not have hit any buildings, but we have seen terrorists get explosives on planes - AND TRY DETONATING THEM - several times. Christmas bomber, shoe bomber, underwear bomber, any of these ring a bell? Thankfully it appears the terrorists really aren't too bright since none of them succeeded. Of course that says even less for the TSA.

Christmas bomber and underwear bomber are the same person, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who successfully boarded a plane in Nigeria, connected in Amsterdam en route to Detroit. Richard Reid (shoe bomber) attempted to ignite the explosives in his shoes in December 2001, nearly a year before the TSA was formed and took over screening of U.S. airports. Since TSA's implementation there have been ZERO terrorist attacks or attempted terrorist attacks on a commercial airliner originating from a federalized airport. The TSA stretches far beyond aviation and employees hundreds of thousands of dedicated employees who have been successful in deterring potential terrorist attacks on any of the nations transportation sectors.

The Shoe Bomber and the Underwear Bomber both originated outside the US. One of them was caught by French police and still let go. Your beef is with them not TSA.

At least not in those instances.

Just a small point, both of these people were stopped not by security forces or armed pilots, but by unarmed passengers. WE are the most effective anti-terrorism tool. Because WE will beat to high hell anybody who threatens a plane we are on.

Post 9-11 mentality, it has its advantages...

strick9 I totally agree. I have been a cop going on 22 years now and I search virtually every car I stop. Most people tolerate it but you always have those who cry about their "rights". Driving, like flying is a privilege. If you don't want to be searched, Don't Drive!! You would not believe the weapons and drugs I find almost every day. Amazing.

Yes they are tools. THAT'S WHY THEY AREN'T ALLOWED ON AIRPLANES. Duh. So what do you want them to do? Ask the guy if he intends to do harm with the knife? If he says no then let him board? You are a tool.

Yes, I would let him onboard. The TSA's own investigation said he wasn't a threat, and like I already said HE COULDN'T HAVE REALLY DONE ANYTHING WITH THEM!! Trying to take over a modern airliner with anything less than a bomb isn't going to work. So the safety of the aircraft wasn't in jeopardy at all.

The only threat would have been an assault on individual passengers. You run that risk with EVERYone you pass on the street, day in and day out. Would you place full body scanner checkpoints on every street corner? The supreme court has already ruled MANY times that the police have no obligation to protect you as an individual, only to protect society in general. The only one responsible for you is YOU. Take some responsibility and be as prepared to defend yourself as you would anywhere else. The aircraft was safe. He wasn't a threat. This is a non-issue.

Could you possibly be a bigger imbecile? A switchblade is a WEAPON. Get psychiatric help.

"The supreme court has already ruled MANY times that the police have no obligation to protect you as an individual, only to protect society in general."

LMAO! You really are a half-wit if you actually believe that. Please cite a decision, nut-job, or shut up.

Wow.

Mark, you might want to atleast TRY using a search engine before calling someone names. Here's just a few random court cases holding that the Police have no duty to protect individuals (excepting people in a special relationship, such as those that are restrained or imprisoned and thus unable to defend themselves):

1. Hartzler v. City of San Jose, 46 Cal. App. 3d 6 (1st Dist. 1975)

2. Riss v. New York, 240 N.E.2d 860 (N.Y. 1968)

3. Warren v. District of Columbia, 444 A.2d 1 (D.C. Ct. of Ap., 1981)

4. DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services (109 S.Ct.
998, 1989)

5. Balistreri v. Pacifica Police Department. (901 F.2d 696 9th Cir. 1990)

6. Castle Rock v. Gonzalez

7. Bowers v. DeVito

8. South v. Maryland (1856)

9. Cocking v. Wade (1898)

10. Davidson v. City of Westminister (1982) 32 Cal.3d 197, 185 Cal.Rptr. 252

11. Westbrooks v. State (1985) 173 Cal.App.3d 1203, 219 Cal.Rtr. 674

12. Ne Casek v. City of Los Angeles (1965) 233 Cal.App.2d 131, 43 Cal.Rptr. 294

13. Susman v. City of Los Angeles, et al (1969) 269 Cal.App.2d 803, 75 Cal.Rptr. 240

Honestly the list goes on and on and on. There's the SCOTUS rulings, and then all the appellate rulings, state rulings, etc. Seriously, atleast pretend to do your homework before engaging in name calling.

Astro, you want to take chances with your own life? FINE. In fact, I encourage it.

If that guy pulled out one of those knives on a flight and threatened you, you would be down on your knees, crying and begging for your life. I can just see it now: "B-B-B-B-B-B-BUT, I ARGUED FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO BRING THEM ON BOARD.. D-D-D-D-DON'T KILL ME! IM YOUR FRIEND! SOB-SOB-SOB..."

Supporting the freedom of others, especially when they DO NOT pose any threat, is not "taking a risk" with my life. It's being a decent human being. I, unlike you, understand that my life is subjected to some level of risk every day and my continued stay on this planet is merely by chance. I could be taken out by any number of things at any time. Trying to regulate them all to ensure complete safety for yourself is not only impossible, but hints at superiority problems. You seem to have a serious problem differentiating between real threats and the mere presence of tools.

Also it's telling that you simply assume you can predict my actions despite never having met me. If I were to be confronted by an armed and THREATENING individual at close quarters I would not simply drop to my knees. Even under stress I tend to rely on logic and training, not emotions. I would do the same thing the passengers on flight 93 and several of the failed terrorist attempts since then have done - FIGHT. In the extreme close quarters of an airplane there isn't much room for an attacker to maneuver. The sheer mass of responding passengers can bring down and restrain an assailant.

When I was in college in the 70's, one of my roommates was one of the first hostages held in an airplane hijacking. Remember all of them? Look them up. Some hijackers only "showed" a knife, but promised worse!

Back then the standard response was to actually talk with the assailant and negotiate. On 9/11 we learned the foolishness of that. Now the common sense thing to do is FIGHT, resist, do whatever you can, just keep the person restrained.

Also, again like I've said umpteen times, the cockpit doors are now HARDENED. Back then it was possible to get into the cockpit if you were able to get close to the door. Nowadays being close to the door just makes it easier for your fellow passengers to pin you against something hard. Because there's basically no chance of the hijacker actually taking over the controls pilots can focus on simply one thing - LAND SAFELY. Squawk 7500 if warranted, notify ATC of your status and request to have security meet you at the terminal (or runway if bad enough), and let the flight crew + pax hold the assailant down until then. Just don't open the door. As long as basic (revised) procedures are followed the aircraft itself isn't in danger from a mere pocket knife. Bombs, sabotage, and purpose-built electronics, on the other hand, can certainly take down an aircraft.

astro wanabe, I'm with you, people need to be responsible for their selves and things can happen to you on a street corner as well as in a plane. Still I don't want big brother checking us out all the time to the point of even when you take a dump. I guess george washinton says needs the attention and likes to live in a state of paranoia.

You seem to miss the point that some of the weapons he was carrying were illegal under Maryland law. TSA does not dictate to Maryland what laws to enact or enforce.

The Maryland statute is a strict liability law so he didn't need to have any intent to hurt anyone. The knives were illegal under State law; that is why it mattered that he had them.

Some on this board seem to have questions about whether the specific models involved are, in fact, illegal under Maryland law.

If they are, I'd have to question the need for that law as well, but I suppose that's for Maryland citizens to deal with.

I'm sure the Maryland authorities know better than "[s]ome on this board."

You can question the law all you want, but the people of Maryland seem to like it. I live in CO so it's not my place to tell them what laws they can and cannot have.

He didn't carry them on to a plane, that's the whole point of the story.

I think you're absolutely correct. Nothing like a big save days after the boss was reamed a new one in front of a Congressional Committee.