The Shoe Bomber: Richard Reid's Failed Attack

Name: The Shoe Bomber: Richard Reid's Failed Attack
Start: 1973-12-22
Location: Unspecified

The 2001 Attempted Bombing of American Airlines Flight 63

Richard Reid's Background

Richard Reid, often referred to as the "Shoe Bomber," was born in 1973 in England. Prior to his attempt to destroy American Airlines Flight 63, Reid became radicalized and was associated with extremist groups. His personal journey into extremism eventually led him to become a pivotal figure in one of the most notorious attempted terrorist acts post-9/11.

The Incident Aboard Flight 63

On December 22, 2001, while traveling from Paris to Miami, Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives that he had hidden inside his shoes. Passengers and crew quickly thwarted his plan by restraining him after they noticed smoke rising from his shoes. The swift actions of those aboard the flight prevented what could have been a catastrophic event.

The Impact of Reid's Attack

Changes in Airport Security

The failed bombing attempt reignited concerns about aviation security, leading to significant changes in the way passengers are screened at airports. Shortly after the incident, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented strict regulations regarding footwear screening, requiring all passengers to remove their shoes before boarding flights.

Legal Consequences for Richard Reid

Richard Reid was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison without parole. His attempt to destroy the airplane only served to elevate the awareness of terrorism and its risks in air travel, influencing national and global security policies.

Fun Fact

Richard Reid's Inadvertent Fame

Despite his intentions, Reid's actions became a point of reference in the discussion about air travel safety, leading to the increased use of body scanners at airports around the world.