DC Flight to Denver: Doubtful That Diplomat Tried to Set Shoes on Fire

By Jeralyn, Section War on Terror
Posted on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 09:50:44 PM EST
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Did a diplomat from the Middle East try to set his shoes on fire on a United flight from DC to Denver? The flight landed safely. No word yet on whether explosives were involved.

The suspect was identified by authorities as a diplomat in the Qatar embassy in Washington, Mohammed al Modadi. The FBI said the man had full diplomat immunity as the 3rd secretary and vice-consul.

Update8:56 pm: The air marshals found no explosives. He may have been trying to smoke a cigarette in the bathroom. He's 25 to 26 years old.

Update 9:07 pm: Sounds like this was not a terror incident after all. The plane is still on the runway and the local news media is scrambling to get information. Officials now say it likely was a misunderstanding. Guy probably got caught after smoking and made dumb bad joke about trying to set shoes on fire.

Update: Yes, he was just copping a smoke in the bathroom. No charges will be filed.

< Wednesday Night Open Thread | Qatari Diplomat Released, No Charges, Flies Back to DC >

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DC Flight to Denver: Doubtful That Diplomat Tried to Set Shoes on Fire | 73 comments (73 topical)

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Not necessarily (none / 0) (#1)
by waldenpond on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 09:56:06 PM EST

Multiple reports... CNN... statements are that there was an attempt to smoke in the bathroom? and was just now saying 'there was a misunderstanding.'

I'm on wait and see.

: A rather large discrepancy. Kind of like (none / 0) (#2)
by oculus on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 09:58:55 PM EST

a case I had once: charged as intent to rape or oral cop.

Quite an explosive headline (none / 0) (#3)
by ruffian on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:03:05 PM EST

anyway at that ABC link if the facts are still so in much in doubt. Say something, anything!

Washington Post says the person has (none / 0) (#4)
by oculus on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:03:25 PM EST

been in the U.S. "for years." Child prodigy diplomat. link

He was in first class (none / 0) (#5)
by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:04:44 PM EST

No explosives on plane (none / 0) (#6)
by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:05:24 PM EST

: That's comforting. (none / 0) (#7)
by oculus on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:07:02 PM EST

Kinda gives a new meaning to 'diplomatic' (none / 0) (#8)
by magster on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:47:14 PM EST

Mocking (5.00 / 2) (#9)
by waldenpond on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:58:51 PM EST

He thought it would be fun to mock the US travel policy.

I wonder what little quip he'll come up with once he knows CNN covered it for the last hours and gets a gander at all of the titles (he'll be glad to know he's no longer a Yahoo front pager):

Mohammed al Modadi Identified As Alleged Shoe Bomber On United 663 (UPDATE: No Explosives?)

NBC News: Airline bombing attempt foiled

Qatari Diplomat Allegedly Tries To Ignite Explosive Aboard Domestic US Flight

Breaking: Qatari Citizen Allegedly Attempts to Ignite Explosive Device on Denver Flight

Hardy, har, har


The (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by lentinel on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 07:35:15 AM EST

way the idiot media latches onto something without doing any investigation is funny.

The sad aspect is that they'll print anything dropped on them from the government - even indirectly - without investigating. That's how Bush whipped up the frenzy in support of his invasion of Iraq.

You'd think they'd be more careful about crying "wolf" - or yelling "fire" in the crowded theatre of the USA - but they aren't.

That's why they remain fertile ground for Howard Stern.


Idiiot Media? (none / 0) (#16)
by squeaky on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:05:44 AM EST

They would not do it if it did not sell papers, kind of like you can get a monkey to do tricks with peanuts.

Who are the idiots?

At least the monkey gets some nutrition.


If their greater goal is to get the (none / 0) (#26)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:51:58 AM EST

public to take the news with a grain of salt and no longer react to what is being done to us, that would be working well, too. I agree...they aren't too stupid.


: Well (none / 0) (#50)
by squeaky on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 12:39:15 PM EST

Seems to be working, as there are a lot of trained bedwetters out there lapping up every twitter and twitch that might mean the end to freedom as we know it...
As far as developing skepticism, I do not see a headline like this:

NBC News: Airline bombing attempt foiled
Doing anything but increasing consumer desire for more updates on the WOT.
In order for skepticism to build up, people would have to have a memory that lasts longer than a week.

interesting you pick Howard Stern (none / 0) (#27)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:55:04 AM EST

with all thats out there.


: I (none / 0) (#67)
by lentinel on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:10:23 PM EST

referred to Stern because of how easily he gets CNN and others to accept an endless line of b.s. as inside information.

you make it sound (none / 0) (#11)
by Jen M on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 06:26:22 AM EST

like no one has ever joked about bombs or whatnot in airline security lines.


: It was (none / 0) (#12)
by lentinel on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 07:30:09 AM EST

never a good idea to joke about bombs and such on security lines or even ticket lines at an airport. Even before 9/11.
The security people don't seem to have much of a sense of humor.
I know I wouldn't.

This ought to keep anyone (none / 0) (#10)
by andgarden on Wed Apr 07, 2010 at 10:59:50 PM EST

from ever attempting to smoke on a plane again. Good.

I assume our "diplomat" (at 25, I'm guessing--unfairly--he could be some VIP's son) will get stern talking-to from his superiors.

: Well, (none / 0) (#49)
by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 12:37:18 PM EST

Well, anyone without a diplomatic passport. You or I would have no doubt been charged.

There's not a law against smoking on an airplane? (none / 0) (#14)
by ruffian on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 08:22:58 AM EST

I thought there was. Maybe it is just a regulation and not a criminal offense, or maybe he didn't get that far into lighting one up.

: It's a criminal offense to tamper with the smoke (none / 0) (#15)
by jeffinalabama on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 08:36:33 AM EST

detectors in the bathrooms...I don't know how many times I've read that sign. Smoking? Good question. Some airlines proscribe chewing tobacco/snuff, but others don't.

not a good time to be copping a smoke (none / 0) (#17)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:06:02 AM EST

in the bathroom on an american flight.
even worse time to be doing it if your name is Mohammed al Modadi.

Diplomatic passport or no (none / 0) (#18)
by jeffinalabama on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:09:11 AM EST

n/t


How so? (none / 0) (#31)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:36:13 AM EST

If he had been a US citizen he would have been arrested and charged.

As it is... he has skated.


he "skated" (none / 0) (#34)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:39:29 AM EST

because he was a diplomat. which was obviously part of the plan.


Who do you have to bribe... (none / 0) (#35)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:42:42 AM EST

or knob to become a diplomat...talk about a dream gig!


Learn something each and every day. (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by oculus on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:17:18 AM EST

Thought maybe this was an East Coast expression; but Urban Dictionary goes on and on.


: Ha! My "urban" vocabulary has grown (none / 0) (#47)
by vml68 on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:50:36 AM EST

by leaps and bounds thanks to TL.

the president (none / 0) (#38)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:52:22 AM EST

get in line


: U.S diplomatic passports (none / 0) (#39)
by jeffinalabama on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:55:57 AM EST

don't mean anything inside the US, though. Only overseas.

Diplomatic immunity (none / 0) (#58)
by jondee on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:54:31 PM EST

it even extends as far as covering people who lie a nation into a war.

Dont leave home without it.


Smoking in the boys room? (none / 0) (#19)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:11:14 AM EST

So instead of a terrorist, he is a hero to nicotine fiending smokers everywhere...smoke 'em if ya got 'em Mo!

Diplomatic immunity is a terrible thing to let go to waste...If I had some of that immunity action I would be a smokin' fool on my flights.

until the marshals strapped you in, kdog... (none / 0) (#20)
by jeffinalabama on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:14:19 AM EST

diplomatic immunity means no arrest, but doesn't keep the air cops from doing what they do...


Years of lawbreaking... (none / 0) (#21)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:26:06 AM EST

has helped develop an ability to sniff out undercovers...all it takes is a little recon jeff:)

Having been through the rig-a-ma-roll of the unfriendly skies recently, the joke is all that much funnier. Perpetual knickers in knots 'round here.


I had a feeling (none / 0) (#22)
by CST on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:27:31 AM EST

you would enjoy this post.

Welcome back!


Good to be back... (none / 0) (#23)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:34:10 AM EST

I think:)

Flying Volaris Airlines in Mexico was such a pleasure compared to our song and dance here stateside...both in the air and in the airport.


Yes, I like non-U.S. airlines (none / 0) (#24)
by Cream City on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:42:26 AM EST

a lot more these days.

And as I'm going to be flying on one of those, but still have to go in and out of U.S. homeland security, my first reaction to this news last night? Oh, no, another idiot is going to make the security checks even worse for the rest of us.


: Especially American Airlines... (none / 0) (#46)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:21:53 AM EST

they are the absolute pits. Filthy planes, snarling flight attendants (not that I can blame them, with stolen pensions and paycuts and the piss-poor working conditions I'd hate the customers too)...the kicker, they make you pay for some potato chips now but don't accept cash, plastic only (wtf?). My currency still states good for all debts, public and private...is it even legal not to accept cash for an over-priced bag of stale chips?
And those sardine can seats...I swear they shrink everytime I fly.

interesting (none / 0) (#25)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:42:56 AM EST

how was it different


Probably the part where many Mexicans (none / 0) (#29)
by oculus on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:19:22 AM EST

have their luggage shrink-wrapped at the airpoert.


: OK.'ll bite (none / 0) (#32)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:37:51 AM EST

Why do they do that?

In the air.... (none / 0) (#33)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:38:36 AM EST

comfort...coach seats downright roomy compared to our sardine cans. Still giving out free snacks with the drinks, free earphones...and flight attendants who actually smile. A televised safety spiel with a little humor thrown in was a nice touch.

On the ground...much less senseless security measures, though they do do a quick peek of your checked baggage before checking it, I assume because of a lack of x-ray machines...then lock your zipper for ya with a plastic tie. Took some scissors from the special lady during the x-ray of carry-ons, let all my liquids and lighters slide. Extremely helpful (and bilingual) ticket agents who helped us revise our whole itenerary at minimal cost, and were of great help catching a plane we were terribly late for.

Customs was a lot friendlier too, just asked if I was on vacation and in I went. Coming back I got a fairly extensive interview compared to other travelers, though in the end they didn't search my bags.


I always thought it was annoying (none / 0) (#36)
by CST on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:43:34 AM EST

that as a U.S. citizen the forms and hassle you have to face at customs coming back into the U.S. is worse than what you face entering most foreign countries. I can only imagine what it must be like for the non-citizens.


Returning from the cruise... (none / 0) (#40)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:57:16 AM EST

last year, customs was a little hard on the special lady coming back into NY....it was the height of the swine-flu panic, and we musta been waiting for her for almost an hour while we citizens breezed right through that time.

Panicking...it seems its our bread and butter. It is such a drag the hoops you gotta jump through just to travel our orb semi-freely.


A friend of mine (none / 0) (#41)
by CST on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:03:59 AM EST

from Germany was coming into the states - with a U.S. passport since they are a dual citizen.

But, he has a German accent, and he couldn't tell them the address of where he was staying, since he didn't remember and forgot to write it down (I don't recall ever being asked that question coming in, but I then again I don't have an accent).

They detained him for well over an hour until some security officer who was tired of wasting his own time told him to just say "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C.". So he did, not having a clue where that address was, and they finally let him in. And this is WITH a U.S. passport.


I am envious of people w/EU passports. (none / 0) (#42)
by oculus on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:08:39 AM EST

as their entry into any EU country is very quick and simple. On the other hand, when I went to Chile about 7 yrs. ago, the Chilean government had just imposed a fee on non-Chileans arriving in their country. Fee had to be pd. in USD for US passport holders. Had just been imposed, against the advice of Chilean travel industry. And the fee was the same amt. the arriving passenger's country imposed on Chileans traveling to that country. Clever, eh?


Riduculous... (none / 0) (#43)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:10:34 AM EST

I wonder if we will ever tire of such nonsense enough to do something about it...it certainly is no way to run the country once dubbed the beacon of liberty to the world.

I think the reason my re-entry interview ran long was because I hesitated when they asked my age (I was beat tired and floating in dreams, wasn't expecting them to ask that)...and I was traveling alone.


: The "traveling alone" part seems to (none / 0) (#44)
by oculus on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:15:39 AM EST

be a flag for U.S. customs these days.

Oh (none / 0) (#51)
by jbindc on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:09:45 PM EST

I got asked coming across the bridge from Windsor, Canada into Detroit a few years ago. But they asked me the address of my friend's house where I had just been. Didn't have a passport (didn't need one), but I had a car with Michigan plates, a registration in my name, and a Michigan drivers license.

This is nothing new.


Extensive interview? (none / 0) (#56)
by jimakaPPJ on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:42:07 PM EST

Must have been TL readers.

;-)

Welcome back. Sounds like you and your lady had a marvey time!


Wonder if he will be fined to cover the costs (none / 0) (#28)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 09:56:59 AM EST

DENVER (AP) -- A Qatari diplomat trying to sneak a smoke in an airplane bathroom sparked a bomb scare Wednesday night on a flight from Washington to Denver, with fighter jets scrambled and law enforcement put on high alert, officials said.

associated with his smoke. Reminds me a bit of balloon boy.

I hope never to be on a flight surrounded (none / 0) (#30)
by oculus on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:20:05 AM EST

by scrambled fighter planes.


: You and me both (none / 0) (#37)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 10:47:42 AM EST

especially after the recent release of the video from the war zone. I'd like to hear an audio of what those fighter pilots were talking about ... were their trigger fingers itching?

I certainly hope so. (none / 0) (#48)
by vml68 on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 11:57:03 AM EST

Wonder if he will be fined to cover the costs

This guy has been in the US long enough to know the consequences of making smart alecky "trying to light my shoes on fire" comments on an airplane.


I don't know... (none / 0) (#52)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:10:45 PM EST

when is it time to discuss whether the consequences we assign to making a smart aleck remark are warranted in the first place? Personally, I think we've gone to far with punishing wise-cracks and simple use of the words "bomb" or "terrorist"...without allowing for a little wise-cracking this joint will quickly become totally and utterly unbearable...even in the air.

I keep coming back to a national "chill the hell out" month being in order...we're collectively losing it.


I agree we've gone too far with this... (none / 0) (#59)
by vml68 on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 02:26:10 PM EST

punishing wise-cracks and simple use of the words "bomb" or "terrorist"

My frustration is directed at this guy because I'm sure he realized that with his diplomatic immunity, he would not be charged for his "joke". But in the meantime, all the other passengers on the plane were still interrogated and delayed a few hours. Sucks to be them!


Sure does... (none / 0) (#62)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 02:54:03 PM EST

suck to be them, but I'm kinda glad he used his immunity to illustrate how out of our minds we have become as a society. At least they had something to laugh about during the delay and interrogation...the sorry state of the union.


I assure you, if I was one of the passengers... (none / 0) (#65)
by vml68 on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:04:58 PM EST

I would not have been laughing. It would have been "Off with his head"!

BTW, welcome back, you were missed... :-)


: Thanks... (none / 0) (#68)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:11:21 PM EST

The only heads I'd want off'ed are those of the over-reacting interogators/detainers...lets lay blame where it is due vml:)

Last week we flew Santa Ana/Chicago/Laguardia (none / 0) (#53)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:11:22 PM EST

and returned Laguardia/Denver/Santa Ana yesterday.

My 8 y/o son carried a several-pound brick of modeling clay in his carry-on on all flights, and spent quite a bit of time yesterday on the Denver/Santa Ana flight molding and carving a masterpiece on his tray table.

Shouldn't clay-like materials be at least identified and inspected during the TSA's pre-boarding security process?

Pipe down sarc... (none / 0) (#54)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:24:44 PM EST

don't give the TSA anymore ideas. My Dallas to NY leg, I shared a row with two very whiney kids...lets allow them the clay if it keeps 'em content, sh*t lets allow them a lighter and pack of Camels if it keeps 'em from whining:)


Young whiny kids on a plane are pretty rough, (5.00 / 2) (#55)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:32:38 PM EST

I grant you that.

Regarding the Camels, though, our emergency trip back east was to say our final goodbyes to my Mom.

60+ years of Marlboro's...you can probably fill in the rest. Kind of an ugly way to go.

Anyway, Dallas to NY? Must be your Mexico trip, how was it?


I'm so sorry... (5.00 / 2) (#57)
by kdog on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 01:50:46 PM EST

my sincerest condolences to you and your family my friend.

BTW...Thanks for asking, the trip was great beyond words.


Thanks. (none / 0) (#60)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 02:31:52 PM EST

Glad to hear the trip was great.


That's some sad news, su (5.00 / 2) (#61)
by jondee on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 02:40:04 PM EST

My condolences to you and your family.


: Thanks jondee. (5.00 / 1) (#63)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 02:58:42 PM EST

Sorry about your Mom... (none / 0) (#66)
by desertswine on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:06:22 PM EST

Much sympathy.


: Thanks dswine. (none / 0) (#69)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:20:39 PM EST

My sympathies, sarc. (none / 0) (#72)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:28:02 PM EST

: Thanks MileHi. (none / 0) (#73)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:28:41 PM EST

Sympathy to you and yours. (none / 0) (#64)
by oculus on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:04:03 PM EST

BTW, where is the airport in Santa Ana?


John Wayne is where we flew from. (none / 0) (#70)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:22:29 PM EST

It think it's in Santa Ana, not really sure. That's not any where near my usual stomping grounds...


: I'l be darned. You are correct: (none / 0) (#71)
by oculus on Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 03:25:34 PM EST

Terminal Address:
Thomas F. Riley Terminal
18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707