 May 03, 2002
Speaking at an afternoon press conference, Senators Murkowski, Bob Smith (R- N.H.), Zell Miller (D-Ga.), and Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) announced plans to introduce legislation, similar to already introduced House legislation, that will allow pilots to carry firearms in the cockpit. "When passengers board a commercial airliner, they look toward the cockpit and the flight crew for their immediate security. The flight crew serves as the last line of defense and security. We must equip them with the weapons and skills they need to thwart future hijacking attempts and to assist Federal Sky Marshals assigned to commercial airlines," said Murkowski. Last year, as part of an aviation security bill, Murkowski sponsored and won passage of an amendment that granted the Administration the authority to permit pilots to carry guns in flight. The new legislation would speed up implementation of the 2001 law. "Because of Sept. 11 and the tactics used by the hijackers that day, we must change the way aircraft and passengers are protected. Arming pilots is part of the solution. We must not forget that there is a large percentage of pilots who have served in the military and law enforcement. In fact, many also serve as reservists in the different branches of the military. These pilots have been trained in the use of weaponry. "Why not utilize the trained personnel already on board?" asked Murkowski. Murkowski noted that most Alaska Bush pilots already carry firearms on board for personal protection. He said weapons in the hands of properly trained pilots will enhance passenger safety. Murkowski was joined at the press conference by representatives of five major pilot unions and relatives of some of the victims aboard the four planes that crashed on Sept. 11th.
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