Bomb scare at Toronto airport raises security questions Special

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By KJ Mullins

Aug 27, 2010 in Crime

1 comment

By KJ Mullins.

Toronto - A passenger was overheard discussing a pipe bomb prior to takeoff at around noon today at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport. An attentive flight attendant alerted the proper authorities stopping takeoff.

Billy Bishop Airport, in the heart of downtown Toronto, was the scene of a bomb scare Friday afternoon. Passengers and staff walked freely around the terminal unaware that police were on the grounds searching for a possible bomb.

Interviewing security staff at the airport, this journalist discovered that staff was unaware of what was happening. At one point a staff member said that the Toronto Police were on the grounds as a 'field trip' with a laugh.

One police officer that was on the second floor of the terminal said that his supervisor was behind closed doors and that no statements were being given at the time.

As the bomb squad and TPS were working the scene, it was interesting to note that the ferry transporting passengers and visitors to the airport did not enforce any added measures.

A staff person outside of the terminal said that they had been told everything was clear but had not been told what had happened. He added that there were no evacuations at the airport to his knowledge. His supervisor said that this was the first time in the two years of his employment that he knew of a bomb scare and that it had not been verified.

The Toronto Port Authority demanded that no more questions be asked at the terminal and to leave the area as it was private property.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Toronto Police Services said that the bomb unit was performing a through search and was still investigating the matter.

Toronto Port Authority President and CEO Geoffry A. Wilson met with media on the mainland at the ferry to discuss what had happened earlier today.

"Just after 12 noon today a passenger was overheard talking about a pipe bomb at the airport. The attendant alerted the proper security authorities and quick action was taken to protect the passengers for Porter Flight 387. The passenger is being questioned by Toronto Police Services and Canada Border Services Agency. The TPA has also alerted the Federal Department of Transport and the US's Homeland of the situation. The building is currently being searched. No other flights or activity at Porter Airlines has been affected."

When asked why security at the airport was not aware of what was happening Wilson stated, "The security at the airport responded to the incident as protocol."