Times Square Terror Plot: Emirates Airlines Plays Key Role
CBS News Justice correspondent Bob Orr reports Emirates Airlines played a key role in the arrest of Faisal Shahzad last night.
Orr reports Emirates "notified the Department of Homeland Security and the rest of the federal government that they got a last minute request for a purchase- a one way purchase in cash - from an individual who wanted to go to Dubai. Those are all red flags. The airline said to the FBI and others this is suspicious and in fact, a short time later, the man was found on the plane and apprehended."
Orr also report there was a fully loaded 9mm, with extra clips was found in his car in his possession on the way to the airport.
Officials also told CBS News that the plane Shahzad boarded for the United Arab Emirates was never going to leave JFK international airport. Law enforcement had already notified authorities that the plane was not to take off.
Man Arrested for Times Square Bomb Attempt
Emirates Flight 201 had taxied from the gate but was returned, when Shahzad was arrested arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement officers.
Two men who were removed by authorities were later cleared and boarded to continue the flight to Dubail.
In a statement, Emirates Airlines said, "Emirates is cooperating with the local authorities. Emirates takes every
necessary precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of its
passengers and crew and regrets the inconvenience caused."
According to the Emirates Statement, "the flight was delayed for around 7 hours and departed at 14:29 Dubai Time. Full security procedures were activated including the deplaning of all passengers and a thorough screening of the aircraft, passengers, and baggage."
Sources also told CBS News that Shahzad had made a call to Emirates to either make the reservation or confirm his reservation while on route to the airport.
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