Last Updated on January 7, 2023 by CCAR Staff
Authorities Thursday said security has been heightened at Los Angeles International Airport and other airfields in response to the crash of an EgyptAir flight from Paris to Cairo that may have been a terrorist attack.
“The safety and security of passengers, airport workers and visitors is our number one priority,” Airport Police Sgt. Belinda Joseph said. “In light of EgyptAir flight MS804, which disappeared over the Mediterranean Sea, we have heightened our security posture and enhanced our counter-terrorism security measures at our Los Angeles World Airport airports.”
• RELATED: Terrorism suspected in Egypt plane crash
LAWA is the city department that owns and operates LAX, LA/Ontario International Airport and Van Nuys Airport.
Joseph noted that more than 48,000 credentialed employees working at LAX underwent background checks as part of the hiring process.
“While some may consider these individuals as 48,000 potential threats, airport police see them as 48,000 sets of eyes capable of observing behavior that is uncharacteristic or suspicious and reporting that information to airport police who can respond quickly to investigate,” she said.
“After a comprehensive review of airport access points (done prior to the news of the EgyptAir flight emerged), those used by aviation workers to enter sterile and secured areas of LAX were reduced to an operational minimum. Airport police eliminated and restricted access to over 150 doors within passenger terminals. As well, additional officers have been assigned to the Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment Unit to monitor employee access points daily, and conduct inspections and random screening of aviation workers throughout the sterile and secured areas.”
• PHOTOS: Terrorism suspected in crash of EgyptAir flight MS804 with 66 aboard
Airport police continuously assess intelligence and events that occur in the U.S. and abroad, Joseph said.
“We constantly review the security measures we have in place, and will enhance and improve security as needed,” she said. “While we can’t discuss specific details, airport security is everyone’s responsibility, and we encourage people that if they ‘See something, Say something’ (by calling) 877-A- THREAT.”
