One thing that has me thinking on this. The plane was a relatively small Boeing 717 - a 100 pax DC-9 equivalent, just about a step up from a commuter jet. 11 jihadi for a much smaller jet (and bang).
Second thing, if this was a dry run, the overt attention they received should have tipped off TSA (provided there are some who are competent there) and alertness increased. If I was a jihadi thinking about using the tactic, I’d think twice given the crew and passenger response. I would have expected a more subtle attempt, not one to draw attention the way they did - it just sends flags up all over the place.
Yeah, 'Zilla, I was thinking the same thing. But I kind of doubt these guys are known for being either subtle or smart. It's also possible this was an actual operational team, which would make them even less likely to be either smart or subtle. I don't think the size of the jet makes a lot of difference when you're thinking of seizing a dozen or more aircraft all headed in different directions. What damage do you think that aircraft would do to the structure of the US Capitol Building? Especially fully fueled?
If the TSA does raise security in light of this incident, might CAIR send forth their lawyers once again and charge racial profiling? I think the airlines are running scared and this is evidenced by their readiness to put a substitute crew on the plane. The passengers realized the danger and wisely got off; thus forcing the cancellation. I'd be thanking the good Lord for the two Texans who took action and praying they'd be on my flight next time or somebody like them. I'd also be determining that I myself would step into those shoes and take appropriate action. CAIR can sue me if they want but I've got to be alive for them to take such action and I'd rather be a live defendant than a dead plaintiff.
Anyone else think these people wanted to get caught? Suing the airlines to get millions on “profiling” charges would be smarter and faster than working for it for their people here in the U.S., they would have the $ w/o drawing attention to their other sources of income, and the irony of using U.S. funds to attack the U.S. is not something I’d put past these sub-human life forms....also, you don’t waste recruits prematurely. Just an idea...