U.S.

Homeland Security Warns Airlines: Watch For Shoe Bombs

Although Homeland Security cited no specific threat, airports might require extra random searches of shoes and carry-on bags.

Homeland Security Warns Airlines: Watch For Shoe Bombs
Wikimedia Commons / Alexbuirds
SMS

It's been more than 12 years since the infamous shoe bomb attempt aboard a flight heading to the U.S., but Homeland Security tells airlines another attack could be on its way.

CNN is among several outlets citing anonymous security sources who say airlines have been warned of a shoe-bomb threat. Homeland Security says special attention should be paid to flights coming in from overseas.

None of the major outlets with this news named sources, but most of them said something like this. "Out of an abundance of caution, DHS regularly shares relevant information with domestic and international partners about relevant threat information." (Via USA Today)

Now, this is not related to the separate threat Homeland Security warned of regarding toothpaste tubes. And it doesn't have anything to do with the Olympics. Also, there are no details on whether this threat sounds anything like the last shoe bomb attempt on U.S. soil.

Richard Reid was a British citizen, who, three months after 9/11, took a flight from Paris to Miami. Mid-flight he tried to light a bomb built into his shoe but was subdued by passengers and flight attendants. (Via CBS)

Reid is currently serving life in prison. After his attempted bombing, U.S. airports required passengers take off their shoes when passing through security. Of course, that policy is still in effect. (Via Fox News)

Homeland Security's warning doesn't recommend any specific action, though some airlines are reportedly considering extra searches of shoes and carry-on bags.