Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab Allegedly Attempts to Blow Up Northwest Flight 253 to Detroit on Christmas Day

Terrorism may have occurred on the Christmas day flight of Northwest Airlines flight 253 from Amsterdam that landed in Detroit. There were 278 passengers aboard the flight.

The FBI is investigating the incident involving a passenger trying to blow up the plane. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, from Nigeria, has been arrested for suspected terrorism.

According to the Huffington Post, a passenger "tried to blow up the flight but the explosive device failed, two U.S. national security officials said." The passenger " tried to explode powder taped to his leg with a syringe full of chemicals" according to the NY Daily News.

At first the staff on the plane thought the passenger was trying to light fireworks. An eyewitness, Syed Jafri, tells the Huffington Post, "he saw a glow, and noticed a smoke smell. Then a young man behind me jumped on him."

Link to Al Qaeda?

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab claims ties to al Qaeda reports the NY Daily News. He began his journey in Nigeria and then flew from Amsterdam to Detroit. He is age 23.

Suspect Now in Hospital

One person from the flight required medical attention. Also, the suspected terrorist is currently being treated for second-degree burns at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

President Obama Informed of Possible Terrorist Act

President Obama was notified of this possible terrorism incident on a Northwest flight. The Obama family is currently on holiday vacation in Hawaii.

Beware of Terrorism

All flights headed to and leaving America, and indeed worldwide, are at possible risk of terrorism. It is important for all passengers to be aware of suspicious activity that may indicate terrorism.

Keep an eye on the passengers around you. Be alert.

Be ready to jump into action if a passenger starts to do something that could threaten the safety of the flight.

Pay attention when the stewardess is describing what to do in an emergency.

Don't drink heavily on flights. Keep your wits about you and be prepared to handle a possible emergency.

Alert the flight staff immediately of any suspicious behavior.

Do not hesitate to inform the flight staff if anyone displays odd behavior or appears to be acting extremely nervous.

One sign of a possible terrorist is a pale patch where he has just shaved off any facial hair. This is a step terrorists have taken prior to attempting attacks.

Also, terrorist often refer to an attack as a "wedding" so hearing that word may be a signal that an attack is imminent.

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/25/fireworks-set-off-by-pass_n_403669.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/news

http://www.startribune.com