Cop Group Joins Pilots' Union in Call to Arm Airline Pilots

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept 26)-- The Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) today announced his organization's support for a measure to arm America's commercial airline pilots.

"Pilots are already responsible for the lives of everyone onboard their planes; there's no reason they should be denied any means of ensuring that safety," said LEAA Executive Director James J. Fotis.

LEAA's push for allowing specially trained and qualified airline pilots to be armed follows on the heels of a similar call by the Airline Pilots' Association. In meetings with Congress and Executive Branch officials, both LEAA and the ALPA have urged political leaders to take this and other necessary steps to advance the safety of our air travel.

LEAA spokesperson Kevin H. Watson noted that FAA regulations currently contain provisions for the carrying of a firearm by pilots, at the discretion of their employer.