Security Tightened at U.S. Airports

Jun 30, 11:55 PM

Current Headlines: Security was increased at U.S. airports Saturday after what appeared to be a botched terrorist attack on the airport in Glasgow, Scotland.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff issued a statement saying his office had been in contact with its British counterparts regarding the terrorist incidents in London and Glasgow. He said he was not increasing the threat level in the United States.

At this point, I have seen no specific, credible information suggesting that this latest incident is connected to a threat to the (U.S.) homeland, said Chertoff. We have no plans at this time to change the national threat level, although we remind everyone that the aviation threat level has been raised to orange since last fall.

Chertoff said the Department of Homeland Security would increase security at U.S. airports, mass transit and other transportation facilities out of an abundance of caution.

White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters Saturday there likely would be an increased presence of some TSA agents outside U.S. airport terminals.

There will some inconvenience to passengers in terms of longer wait times, said Snow. Local police also have the option of invoking whatever measures they may deem necessary or appropriate.