What is terrorism? Terrorism is the use of force or violence against people or property to create fear and to get publicity for political causes. Terrorists are criminals and when they are caught they are put on trial. Acts of terrorism include: threats of violence, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, and the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. History shows that terrorists are willing to target transportation systems, such as the airline industry and mass transit systems. Examples include:
On September 11, 2001 terrorists highjacked commercial aircraft and flew them into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and a field in rural Pennsylvania.
On July 7, 2005 bombs exploded on three London, England subway trains and one double-decker bus.
On March 20, 1995 terrorists launched a chemical attack on the subway system in Tokyo, Japan, during the morning rush hour. Sarin, a poisonous liquid was released on five lines of the subway system.
Transportation security professionals are working hard to prevent these types of disasters in the future.
