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CNN Live At Daybreak

America Strikes Back: Airports Tighten Security

Aired October 08, 2001 - 08:28   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.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: All across the country, airports have gone on an increased alert in the wake of the U.S.-led military strikes.

CNN's Hillary Lane is standing by live at the airport in Newark, New Jersey -- good morning again, Hillary.

HILLARY LANE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Paula.

On a normal day, we would be able to report to you from right outside the terminal where passengers are dropped off. But because of security precautions in effect now, we had to keep at least 300 feet from the terminal, which is why we are coming to you from this parking lot right across from Terminal A at Newark International Airport.

Bret Trevor (ph) of the Port Authority police would not comment on the security taking place inside. He says that would compromise the actions.

But I can tell you what I saw when I walked around earlier, which was in addition to the normal police -- the Port Authority police and the New Jersey police that patrol here on a regular basis, we also saw Customs agents up closer to the security checkpoints, National Guardsmen and Border Patrol as well.

So many more uniforms than people who travel on a regular basis would be used to seeing in the nation's airports.

The National Guardsmen began patrolling here on Friday. It was the first time they were stationed at a nation's airport since World War II. And here at Newark, there are about 90 National Guards troops patrolling around the clock, rotating through the 24 hour period. And there are more troops being sent as we speak.

So that is just one of the steps. But as for what is going on at the airport, planes are taking off, flights appear to be on time. And, yes, there are very long lines for passengers who are checking bags, and also to get through with any carry-on bags they might have. So they are asking people to be very patient and to be supportive as well -- Paula.

ZAHN: Hillary Lane -- thanks so much for that update.

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