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Breaking News

Man Runs Through Security Checkpoint at Hartsfield Airport

Aired November 16, 2001 - 14:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Back in this country -- specifically, the city of Atlanta, we continue to watch the developing matter at Hartsfield International Airport. To be quite frank with you, this is an absolute mess on a Friday afternoon.

The facts we're getting tend to be a bit sketchy. Here is what we know: A man apparently ran through a security checkpoint without being screened. All airplane departures, most arrivals have been halted there. They say steps are being taken at Hartsfield to enable them to find the man, who has not yet been apprehended. About a half hour ago we were told that he was found, and then we were told he was not. So frankly we do not know at this point.

But what we do know, again, is that everybody has to be rescreened at the airport, and it's the world's busiest. There are thousands of people stranded there now. On a Friday afternoon it can be an absolute nightmare for a number of people trying to move throughout the country. And one has to consider, also, the domino effect. When things get slowed down in Atlanta, boy, it can have a huge impact on the rest of airline travel throughout the country.

So we will continue to watch that. And clearly folks at this point are stranded. We'll watch it; we'll get a briefing from Hartsfield coming up shortly here, and we'll have that for you when that happens, as well.

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