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BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

You're watching multisource US video news analysis from Newsy.


Lacrosse sticks, toenail clippers, more than 3.4 fluid ounces of any liquid — Despite all the things you can’t carry onto a plane, 3-inch folding blades are good to go.

Well - not really good to go. Here’s KSBI’s take on an incident aboard a Delta Airlines flight.

“Okay. This is an -- isn't the actual video, but we’re just trying to help you out.”
“Re-enactment.”
“It started with a 60-year-old Salt Lake City man was late getting to his seat on a flight to Vegas and started elbowing his neighbor in an attempt to claim the space. After a few elbow jabs, the neighbor gave it up but put his foot on the old guy's leg. That prompted him to threaten to to, quote, slit the other guy's throat.”

As if he hadn’t disturbed the flight enough, it was David Allen Anderson’s choice words that alerted flight attendants. Deseret News writes:

“...[Anderson] said to the passenger, ‘If I have a knife, I would slit your throat,’ the complaint states. The passenger told flight attendants, who noticed Anderson reach into his bag several times with something cupped in his hand. The flight crew then called Salt Lake police.”

As it turns out -- he did have a knife. Those familiar with TSA’s litany of prohibited items will note that knives aren’t allowed in carry-ons but can be checked as long as their sheathed or securely wrapped. Even so, how was Anderson able to sneak a folding blade onto an airplane? The Salt Lake Tribune reports:

“[A TSA representative] said the agent involved was disciplined and is undergoing remedial training on spotting suspicious items. … She said while a knife passing through security is a serious issue, TSA agents need to worry most on the greatest threat to aviation — explosives and explosive components.”

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Anderson’s attorney Steven Killpack says his clientonce had a successful law career and is in dire need of medication. But US Assistant Attorney Michael Kennedy called Anderson “a danger to his community and a danger to himself.” Anderson could face up 10 years in prison if convicted on felony charges including having a dangerous weapon on an aircraft.


Transcript by Newsy.