LAX, Terrorist Plots and Airport Security

British police have now arrested 24 people in a plot to blow up 10 planes bound for the US, causing what one official called "mass murder on an unimaginable scale." On CNN, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff agreed it was the biggest threat to this country since September 11. The discovery, which has American airports on "high" alert, includes LAX, where five airlines operate 20 daily non-stops to and from London-Heathrow. There's no evidence that LA-bound planes were targeted, but Mayor Villaraigosa calls it "a target of opportunity" and confirms a "clear and rapid response" today at all levels of government, indicating that that the city was prepared. New security measures instituted today will mean long lines and require early arrivals. No liquids will be allowed in carry-on baggage because they might be components of explosives. We get details of how the latest reported conspiracy will disrupt travel plans at the height of vacation season.

Guests:

• Tom Winfrey: Public Relations Spokesman, Los Angeles International Airport
• Jennifer Oldham: Reporter, Los Angeles Times
• Jack Weiss: Los Angeles City Councilman
• Robert Poole: Director of Transportation Studies, Reason Foundation

Links:

• DHS Chief Chertoff on change in nation's threat level for aviation sector
• Remarks by Chertoff, Attorney General Gonzales, FBI Director Mueller and Assistant Secretary for TSA Kip Hawley
• LAX responds to DHS upgrade of national threat-condition level
• Governor Schwarzenegger deploys additional resources to enhance airport security
• Bernard Lewis' Wall Street Journal article on Iran's plans for August 22
• Weiss' 10-point plan, Preparing Los Angeles for Terrorism
• The 9/11 Commission Report