Strict Security For Airports

Airports across the nation were ordered into the highest state of security since the Persian Gulf War on Sunday as a defense against possible terrorist attacks.

A Transportation Department official said the increased security was related to several sensitive events - a group of militant Muslims being found guilty Sunday in a terrorism trial, the signing of a Mideast peace treaty last week, the visit this week by Pope John Paul II and the United Nations’ 50th anniversary celebration this month.

The security measures could include closing off rooftop parking lots, searching cars, towing vehicles left unattended outside terminals, asking for picture identification of suspicious persons, searching baggage, and ending non-passenger access to certain areas.