Last autumn a pipe bomb was confiscated from a passenger at the airport in the western Canadian city of Edmonton. But the passenger was allowed to board his flight. Four days later, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) alerted Canada’s federal police force RCMP to the case.
Three days later the 18-year old Skylar Murphy was arrested. In December, he pleaded guilty, was fined $100 for possessing an explosive device, and put on probation.
Media reports on the incident broke on Tuesday (January 14) and Wednesday, and raised many questions.
When CATSA spokesman Mathieu Larocque was asked about the incident his emailed response was: “Screening officers do not have the authority to apprehend or detain passengers. When they see something potentially illegal, the(y) contact the police.”
RCMP officers are usually present in all Canadian airports.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, Canada’s Transportation Minister Lisa Raitt issued a statement on airport safety:
“The safety of Canadians and the traveling public is our Government’s top priority. This individual should not have been allowed to board his flight, and it is unacceptable that CATSA waited four days before seeking the RCMP’s assistance. I will be calling the President of CATSA today to ensure the organization takes further action to better protect the safety of Canadian travellers.”
In a text reply to CBC News, Murphy said, “I’ve been advised not to comment. I will however tell you that what has been published is not at all an accurate portrayal of what happened.”
More information:
CBC News – Man found with pipe bomb at Edmonton airport allowed to fly – here
Global News – UPDATE: Minister of Transport responds to passenger being allowed to fly out of EIA after suspected bomb found in luggage – here
National Post – Lisa Raitt slams air security agency after Alberta teen caught with pipe bomb at Edmonton Airport allowed to board flight – here
CBC News – Lisa Raitt slams handling of pipe bomb incident – here
Update January 16, 2014:
New information about the incident at the Edmonton airport suggests security personnel appear to have attempted to give back the pipe bomb to passenger Skylar Murphy, but he refused to take it back. Details here. The CATSA spokesman says some of the officers involved in the incident were suspended. And all officers involved were disciplined and given additional mandatory training. Details here.
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