Netanyahu bodyguards' guns go missing on U.S. visit

[Hazcat]

(Reuters) - Several pistols belonging to bodyguards of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took an unexplained cross-country U.S. detour this week before four of them went missing altogether, officials said on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Israel's Shin Bet security service confirmed that the four handguns "were part of the equipment sent ahead (of Netanyahu) to Washington, and got lost," adding that Israeli and U.S. authorities were investigating.

A U.S. source familiar with the matter told Reuters that two suitcases bearing seven handguns in all -- four in one bag, three in the other -- arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York with Israel's security detail and were rechecked for a flight to Washington. But neither bag made it there.

Instead, both bags were later retrieved at Los Angeles International Airport, then were flown back to Washington through Chicago. When the two suitcases were reopened in Washington, the four guns from one bag were discovered to be missing, but it remained unknown where along the line the firearms were taken, the source said.

All three guns in the second suitcase were still in their bag and were recovered.

After meeting U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday, Netanyahu was scheduled to continue to New York. The Shin Bet spokesman said the missing pistols had not forced any change to his schedule or security measures.

(Writing by Dan Williams; additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by David Stamp and Sandra Maler)

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6662EV20100707?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

comments at link

[deepwater]

not surprised at all. it seems that every time I fly now something ends up missing (usually in the states too) or my luggage wide open or cut (I now have a hard side bag to prevent the cutting) and of course things spilling out as it comes around the conveyor. I think it's time to put security watching the baggage handlers and make sure there's some accountability when it comes to peoples belongings. here in Peru they check your gun separately and turn it over to you at the end of the line. handled by the security personnel and not the hoodlums that handle your luggage.

deepwater

[Pathfinder]

Instead, both bags were later retrieved at Los Angeles International Airport, then were flown back to Washington through Chicago. When the two suitcases were reopened in Washington, the four guns from one bag were discovered to be missing, but it remained unknown where along the line the firearms were taken, the source said.

Start your search there. Probably one of the most corrupt, crime-ridden airports in the country. And that's the official staff, not hangers-on!   

[crusader rabbit]

At least we don't have to worry about The Honorable Benjamin Netanyahu  since all his personal bodyguards probably carry tactical suitcase nukes, mustard gas canisters, and laser sabers.  Man-oh-man I wish we could figure a way to run him for Pres.

[fightingquaker13]

Why would they send them ahead? Its not like they are flying commercial? For that matter, why not put them in the diplomatic pouch and have them waiting at the embassy? This makes no sense.
FQ13

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