The whole story may seem shocking, but if the terrorists can identify the storage tanks that contain the worst chemicals, they don't need to steal a plane to cause a catastrophic failure. In many cases, the tanks are visible from a public road. They can stop their car, get out with a rocket launcher, and fire a rocket through the tank wall before anyone can react. Even if a police officer comes along at that moment, one terrorist can use a military rifle to hold off the officer while the other fires the rocket launcher. Another way of destroying storage tanks or piping is to cut through the fence at night and come into the plant with explosives. All of these security precautions are based on the idea that the terrorists will want to do something smooth and graceful as if they were movie characters sneaking into and out of an installation without being caught. Real terrorists haven't shown themselves to be that fancy. Instead, they just get in crudely but quickly and do their damage.
Bill
Bingo.
Even then we won't be entirely safe. No one can ever be entirely safe. Life is a pretty risky proposition.
but if the terrorists can identify the storage tanks that contain the worst chemicals, they don't need to steal a plane to cause a catastrophic failure
No they don't. A copy of the most recent ERG and a decent elk rifle would be about all it takes.
Another way of destroying storage tanks or piping is to cut through the fence at night and come into the plant with explosives
Or just drive a stolen truck loaded with ANFO into one.
If we only think about defense, we've lost already.
The best defense is a good offense.
L