Pilots permitted to take handguns on US flights
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Commercial pilots in the US were given a choice yesterday over whether or not to carry a gun in the cockpit.
After months of debate, a provision allowing pilots to carry guns on the flight deck was included in the Homeland Security Act, signed into law by President George Bush last night. The bill, which creates a department responsible for protecting the US against terrorism, gives the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) 90 days to begin arming pilots. The measure is not compulsory and the Allied Pilots Association, which pushed for the provision, believes that just under half of America's 75,000 pilots will arm themselves.
The airlines opposed the measure because they feared guns would go off accidentally at 37,000ft with dire consequences. The TSA first has to decide which guns are suitable for aircraft and will then set up weapons training for pilots.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments