United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Football star charged after ‘making bomb threat’ at LAX
American football star Aldon Smith was arrested at Los Angeles airport after allegedly making a bomb threat to a security agent.
The San Francisco 49ers linebacker became uncooperative and made the threat after being randomly selected for secondary screening, according to airport police official Karla Ortiz.
Ortiz said Smith made the bomb threat comment to an airport security agent while walking to the departure gate.
Police officers caught up with the 24-year-old and arrested him when he became disruptive.
He was later charged with ‘false reporting of a bomb threat’ and released on US$20,000 bail.
The incident follows a ‘joke’ tweet posted to American Airlines by a Dutch teenager yesterday claiming to be a member of Al Qaida and threatening to ‘do something really big’ on June 1.
The airline immediately responded by saying the user’s IP address and details had be forwarded to security and the FBI.’
The resulting twitter exchanges went viral with the user, known only as ‘Sarah’ quickly gaining over 30,000 followers.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Anna Marie Presutti on San Francisco’s Tourism Revival and Global Outlook
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
CLIA expands trade support with expedition event
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week