2. A Key-Filled Necklace Almost Got This ‘Scrawny 14-Year-Old’ Attacked
“I flew to Europe about six months after 9/11 and the atmosphere was still noticeably tense in the security line … There was a huge line and each of us had to step forward one at a time and stand with our arms and legs out while an officer waved a metal detector over our bodies. After that, they patted you down before you could get on with your travels. Well I had a necklace with my house keys that I always wore at that time and I had forgotten to take it off. When the officer asked what was around my neck, I reached over to pull it out while explaining what it was. The officer jumped back and shouted, “GET YOUR HANDS OUT NOW!!!! DON’T MOVE!!!!! DON’T MOVE!!!!!” As if I was reaching for the detonator of a bomb vest. A bunch of other officers came running over and everyone in the line was staring at me. I then got a stern lecture about how I should’ve done as I was instructed. Apparently scrawny 14 year old boys are very threatening.”
