Speeding hijacker fined on 9 September
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.One of the hijackers of United Airlines flight 93 was stopped for speeding only two days before he helped to seize the plane that crashed in rural Pennsylvania, killing all 45 passengers and crew.
Maryland police released a videotape yesterday of Ziad Jarrah being pulled over on Interstate 95 and fined $270 (£190) after driving at 90mph in a 65mph zone shortly before midnight on 9 September.
On the morning of 11 September he and his fellow hijackers boarded the flight to San Francisco. The ticket was found in the glove compartment of the car he left at Newark international airport.
Had Jarrah been arrested rather than simply given a ticket, it would have reduced the flight 93 hijack team to three members. But police said he had been treated in the same way as any other speeding motorist.
Thornnie Rouse, a state police spokesman, said: "It was a routine traffic stop. There was no conversation, no comments from the driver."
Meanwhile, a man was arrested yesterday at Chicago Midway airport as he tried to board a flight with pocket knives, box-cutters, flares and lighter fluid in his bag.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments