Security Alert Shuts Down Newark Airport

On 3 January 2010 a security alert temporarily shut down Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials stated that the alert was triggered at approximately 1720 local time (2220 GMT) after an unidentified man was seen entering the area past the security checkpoint without being screened. Flights from the terminal were halted and all passengers were eventually forced to evacuate the terminal to undergo re-screening. Some flights that were awaiting departure were also evacuated. The majority of the affected passengers were on Continental Airlines flights. The passenger who bypassed security was not found, but flights resumed after all passengers were re-screened. As a precaution, security was increased at Newark Airport and at other New Jersey transportation facilities after the incident.