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Ice Packs Helped Prompt TSA Bulletin

66-year-old mom with bad back fields question about Osama

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Jul 27, 2007 9:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – This week's TSA bulletin warning of a possible attempt to penetrate security checkpoints with "peculiar items" was caused in part by an incident involving a 66-year-old woman and the ice packs she uses on her bad back. The clay-filled, tape-wrapped packages ignited hazmat suspicions, though their owner says she's been traveling with them for years, ABC News reports.

After security scanners flagged Sara Weiss' checked baggage, she was brought into an interrogation room and asked, "Do you know Osama bin Laden?" And although she was released with no charges—ice packs in tow—the incident nonetheless made its way into the TSA announcement. "I was astonished," says Weiss.

TSA workers screen passengers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Thursday, May 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Associated Press)

Passengers wait at a TSA screening check point at Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport, Saturday, June 30, 2007. U.S. airports and mass transit systems will tighten security in response to apparent... (Associated Press)

The Fridge ((c) EDgAr H.)

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Ice Packs Helped Prompt TSA Bulletin

66-year-old mom with bad back fields question about Osama

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Bin Laden 'Right-Hand Man' Set for Release in Britain

Abu Qatada to face 22-hour curfew in London

Rand Paul's TSA Scuffle Now Raking in Cash for Dad

Ron Paul urges supporters to contribute to 'End the TSA Money Bomb'

Rand Paul Refuses TSA Patdown, Gets Detained

Ron Paul's son being detained 'indefinitely,' says spokesperson

TSA: We Were Right to Take That Cupcake

...because it was a cupcake in a jar

People Left $409K in Coins at Airport Checkpoints

And the TSA is keeping it

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Ice Packs Helped Prompt TSA Bulletin

66-year-old mom with bad back fields question about Osama

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

News Arc

Travel • terrorism • security • flight • Osama bin Laden • airport security • TSA • Sara Weiss

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Bin Laden 'Right-Hand Man' Set for Release in Britain

Abu Qatada to face 22-hour curfew in London

Rand Paul's TSA Scuffle Now Raking in Cash for Dad

Ron Paul urges supporters to contribute to 'End the TSA Money Bomb'

Rand Paul Refuses TSA Patdown, Gets Detained

Ron Paul's son being detained 'indefinitely,' says spokesperson

TSA: We Were Right to Take That Cupcake

...because it was a cupcake in a jar

People Left $409K in Coins at Airport Checkpoints

And the TSA is keeping it

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?