Missing Jordanian Air Marshal Found Aboard Amtrak Train

2002 WCJB-TV20 ^ | 3/25/2003 | The Associated Press

[Willie Green]

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use.

(Jacksonville-AP) -- A Jordanian air marshal, reported missing when he failed to show up for a Royal Jordanian Airways flight, was found yesterday on an Amtrak train in Jacksonville.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducting a routine drug sweep of the train spotted Ali Ahmad Al-Omari who had been sought since failing to show up Saturday for a Royal Jordanian Airways flight in Chicago.

Airline officials, fearing foul play, contacted Chicago authorities, who contacted the FBI.

Al-Omari told authorities he was traveling to Miami to visit friends.

Bill Hurlburt, a spokesman for the FBI, said Al-Omari hadn't requested asylum and wasn't in any terrorism case.

Hurlburt said Al-Omari was detained by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection because he does not have immigration status to stay in the United States.

[discostu]

There's a brilliant joke in here somewhere.

[Magic Fingers]

Drug Enforcement Administration agents "conducting a routine drug sweep of the train..."

?????

[discostu]

I think you're on to it, just who in hell smuggle drugs TOO Miami from Chicago?!

[eddie willers]

There's a brilliant joke in here somewhere.

I'm calling a professional.

[breakem]

I feel safe at night knowing the DEA is "sweeping" this train...........................and not accidentially knocking my door down.

[Thinkin' Gal]

A Jordanian air marshal, reported missing when he failed to show up for a Royal Jordanian Airways flight, was found yesterday on an Amtrak train in Jacksonville.

His name is Beeks. Clarence Beeks.

[dighton]

He's an Air Marshal, fer cryin' out loud! His plan was to hijack the train, take it airborne somewhere, and . . . . . . . . . . . . I dunno.

[Sabertooth]

Bill Hurlburt, a spokesman for the FBI, said Al-Omari hadn't requested asylum and wasn't in any terrorism case.

This story stinks. The sweep by the DEA is a cover. The guy disappears and heads for Florida, where have been known terror cells, and gets accidentally recognized by drug agents, on an immigration violation? We can all do the math.

[Willie Green]

LOL!

[N8VTXNinWV]

LOL!

[TBall]

Billy Ray must have noticed a suspicious check.

[PackerBoy]

My thoughts exactly. This story does not pass the smell test.

[Thinkin' Gal]

I've been searching Google for a pic; no luck. But the reporter on FOX News just made a reference to gorilla tactics, go figure.

[browardchad]

Well, we were told that resources would be "diverted" for the duration of the war. Quick work, considering he skipped on Saturday.

[general_re]

A Jordanian air marshal, reported missing when he failed to show up for a Royal Jordanian Airways flight...

If he's not allowed to stay in the country, where was he staying before he missed his flight? Did he take off during a two-hour layover or something?

[michaelt]

Beef jerky time. You want some beef jerky?

[lewislynn]

I feel safe at night knowing the DEA is "sweeping" this train...........................and not accidentially knocking my door down.

I'd feel safer with the DEA on my train or maybe even knocking my door down (since I'm not guilty of anything) than I would with a Jordanian, "air marshall" or not, on my flight.

[breakem]

since the police have killed many innocent people in "drug raids" of the wrong house, you go ahead and feel as safe as you can be and night night to you and your family. When someone in a mask and no name tag bursts into your bedroom, be careful when you decide whether or not to pick up your gun.

[lewislynn]

Paranoia is dangerous too.