Counter-terrorism security increases at LAX after EgyptAir Flight 804 disappears
Counter-terrorism security measures were heightened Friday at the Los Angeles International Airport in the wake of the disappearance of EgyptAir Flight 804.
Los Angeles Airport Police say security was strengthened as it monitors events and intelligence, both abroad and domestically.
“The safety and security of passengers, airport workers and visitors is the number one priority of the Los Airport Police Division,†Sgt. Belinda Joseph said in a statement.
The increased measures come after the Airbus A320 aircraft lost radar contact early Thursday, four hours into a flight from Paris to Cairo with 66 people aboard.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
The Egyptian navy found wreckage from the missing plane in the Mediterranean Sea, officials said Friday. Investigators say terrorism likely caused the crash, but they have not ruled out technical failures.
In Los Angeles, airport police said they will conduct random checkpoints at airport entrances.
Airport officers assigned to the Joint Regional Intelligence Center and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force are constantly sharing and receiving real-time intelligence, Joseph said.
Police have restricted access to more than 150 doors in passenger terminals. Additional officers have also been assigned to a Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment Unit. The unit monitors employee access points, conducts checkpoints and randomly screens airline workers.
Join the conversation on Facebook >>
More than 48,000 credentialed employees have gone through background checks and have undergone specific security measures.
“While some may consider these individuals as 48,000 potential threats, airport police sees them as 48,000 sets of eyes capable of observing behavior that is uncharacteristic or suspicious and reporting that information to airport police who can respond quickly to investigate,†Joseph said.
Police advised airport passengers, “If you see something, say something.â€
For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
ALSO
Metro Expo Line opens to Santa Monica
Fire burning on Seal Beach Pier
Man accused of racist drawing: ‘They’re trying to crucify me’
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
![[20060326 (LA/A20) -- STATING THE CASE: Marchers organized by unions, religious organizations and immigrants rights groups carry signs and chant in downtown L.A. "People are really upset that all the work they do, everything that they give to this nation, is ignored," said Angelica Salas of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights. -- PHOTOGRAPHER: Photographs by Gina Ferazzi The Los Angeles Times] *** [Ferazzi, Gina -- - 109170.ME.0325.rights.12.GMF- Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times - Thousands of protesters march to city hall in downtown Los Angeles Saturday, March 25, 2006. They are protesting against House-passed HR 4437, an anti-immigration bill that opponents say will criminalize millions of immigrant families and anyone who comes into contact with them.]](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/722dda1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1983x1322+109+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fzbk%2Fdamlat_images%2FLA%2FLA_PHOTO_ARCHIVE%2FSDOCS%2854%29%2Fkx3lslnc.JPG)
