Bomb Parts IED Materials Smuggled Past U.S. Airport Security 19 Times

The skies are apparently not as safe as we had hoped.

Government investigators smuggled liquid explosives and detonators past airport checkpoints during tests conducted in 19 airports across the country earlier this year. The results surprised officials and raised serious concerns over the safety and security of our nations airports.

The investigators learned about the components to make an improvised explosive device and an improvised incendiary device on the Internet and purchased the parts at local stores, said the report by the Government Accountability Office. Investigators were able to purchase the components for the two devices for under $150, and they studied the published guidelines for screening to determine how to conceal the prohibited items as they went through checkpoint security.

At the end of the testing, investigators concluded that terrorists could use publicly available information and a few cheaply available supplies to damage an airplane and threaten passenger safety.

“It is possible to bring the components for several IEDs and one IID through TSA checkpoints and onto airline flights without being challenged by transportation security officers,” said the GAO, Congress’ investigative arm.

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