Homeland Security Under Fire After Official Says Muslims Should Register Before Flying

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The New York Sun

The Department of Homeland Security faced criticism yesterday over an official’s comment that Muslims should register with the agency before flying, as well as over newly unveiled plans that could allow passengers to carry small knives on airplanes.


Speaking at a journalism conference in Washington October 20, the head of the department’s office of civil rights and civil liberties, Daniel Sutherland, said that Muslims whose names are being confused with those on an anti-terrorism watch list should fill out a two-page “passenger identity verification form.”


A spokesman for the department, Valerie Smith, said Mr. Sutherland was responding to a specific question about Muslims facing repeated identification problems. He mentioned the form as a possible solution.


“He did not recommend that certain ethnic groups apply,” Ms. Smith said.


The department also faced criticism yesterday over plans outlined during a congressional hearing last week by the head of the Transportation Security Administration, Kip Hawley, which would allow passengers to bring two inch knives on airplanes. Earlier this year, officials allowed passengers to carry onto planes other items banned shortly after September 11, 2001: corkscrews, tweezers, and nail clippers.


“What’s the need to have a pocket knife or a box cutter or a bow and arrow in the cabin of the plane?” a Democratic congressman representing parts of Queens and the Bronx, Joseph Crowley, said during an interview with The New York Sun. “None of my constituents are calling me saying, ‘Do something about the onerous restrictions on weapons at security gates.’ “


Mr. Crowley, whose district includes La Guardia Airport, held a press conference at the airport yesterday along with flight attendants and transportation screeners to protest the plan, which also includes a “registered traveler” program allowing passengers to avoid added security screening by paying a fee and agreeing to a background check.


A spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration, Ann Davis, said the department’s security policies have been under review since Michael Chertoff earlier this year was appointed as homeland security secretary.


“We have not indicated any changes yet,” Ms. Davis said.


The New York Sun

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