On December 22, 2001, passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 63 were traveling from Paris to Miami when an ordinary transatlantic journey suddenly became a struggle for survival. Among them was Richard Reid, a man carrying explosives concealed inside his shoes and determined to carry out a deadly attack.But his plan did not unfold as intended.This book traces the remarkable story behind the “Shoe Bomber”—from Reid's early life and radicalization to his journey into extremist circles, his training with al-Qaeda, and the events that placed him aboard Flight 63 with a concealed explosive device.What happened when he tried to ignite it? How did the crew and passengers respond? And how did investigators piece together the story after the aircraft was brought safely to the ground?Beyond the dramatic events aboard the plane, this book examines the investigation, Reid's arrest, his prosecution, and the life sentence that followed. It also explores how the attempted attack became part of the broader history of aviation security in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.If you're fascinated by terrorism history, aviation security, criminal investigations, and the true stories behind major historical events, this book takes you inside one of the most extraordinary attempted attacks in modern aviation history.
On December 22, 2001, passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 63 were traveling from Paris to Miami when an ordinary transatlantic journey suddenly became a struggle for survival. Among them was Richard Reid, a man carrying explosives concealed inside his shoes and determined to carry out a de...