US air passenger had smoke grenade
A man dressed in a bulletproof vest and fire-resistant pants has been arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after a smoke grenade, gas mask, leg irons and weapons were discovered in his luggage, federal authorities say.
Boston-bound Yongda Huang Harris, 28, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of transporting hazardous materials on a flight from Japan, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said.
Harris was not co-operating with federal officials attempting to interview him, according to a US official.
The official said Harris was not believed to be linked to a terrorist organisation but his motive had not been determined.
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“Harris drew suspicion when US Customs and Border Protection officers at the airport noticed he was wearing the bulletproof vest and fire-resistant pants under his trenchcoat.
That triggered a formal investigation by Homeland Security special agents.
In a search of Harris’s checked luggage, numerous suspicious items were uncovered, including knives, body bags, a hatchet, a collapsible baton, a biohazard suit, a full-face respirator, billy clubs, a respirator, handcuffs, leg irons and a device to repel dogs, authorities said.”
