Richard Colvin Reid, also known as the Shoe Bomber, is a British man who
Richard Colvin Reid, also known as the Shoe Bomber, is a British man who

attempted to detonate explosives packed into the shoes he was wearing, while on
attempted to detonate explosives packed into the shoes he was wearing, while on

American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami. Born to a father who was a
American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami. Born to a father who was a

career criminal, Reid converted to Islam as a young man in prison after years as
career criminal, Reid converted to Islam as a young man in prison after years as

a petty criminal. Later he became radicalised and went to Pakistan and
a petty criminal. Later he became radicalised and went to Pakistan and

Afghanistan, where he trained and became a member of al-Qaeda.
Afghanistan, where he trained and became a member of al-Qaeda.

On 22 December 2001, he boarded American Airlines Flight 63 between Paris and
On 22 December 2001, he boarded American Airlines Flight 63 between Paris and

Miami, wearing shoes packed with explosives, which he unsuccessfully
Miami, wearing shoes packed with explosives, which he unsuccessfully

tried to detonate. Passengers subdued him on the plane, which landed at Logan
tried to detonate. Passengers subdued him on the plane, which landed at Logan

International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, the closest US airport.
International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, the closest US airport.

He was subsequently arrested and indicted. In 2002, Reid pleaded guilty
He was subsequently arrested and indicted. In 2002, Reid pleaded guilty

in U.S. federal court to eight criminal counts of terrorism, based on his
in U.S. federal court to eight criminal counts of terrorism, based on his

attempt to destroy a commercial aircraft in flight. He was sentenced to 3 life
attempt to destroy a commercial aircraft in flight. He was sentenced to 3 life

terms plus 110 years in prison without parole and is held in a super maximum
terms plus 110 years in prison without parole and is held in a super maximum

security prison in the United States. Background
security prison in the United States. Background

Reid was born in Bromley, Kent, to Lesley Hughes, who was of white English
Reid was born in Bromley, Kent, to Lesley Hughes, who was of white English

descent, and Colvin Robin Reid, a man of mixed race whose father was a Jamaican
descent, and Colvin Robin Reid, a man of mixed race whose father was a Jamaican

immigrant. When Reid was born, his father, a career criminal, was in prison
immigrant. When Reid was born, his father, a career criminal, was in prison

for stealing a car. Reid left school at age 16, becoming a petty crook who was
for stealing a car. Reid left school at age 16, becoming a petty crook who was

in and out of jail, the first time for mugging an elderly person. He began
in and out of jail, the first time for mugging an elderly person. He began

writing graffiti under the name "Enrol with FRF crew", and ultimately
writing graffiti under the name "Enrol with FRF crew", and ultimately

accumulated more than 10 convictions for crimes against persons and property. He
accumulated more than 10 convictions for crimes against persons and property. He

served sentences at the Feltham Young Offenders Institution and at the
served sentences at the Feltham Young Offenders Institution and at the

Blundeston Prison. His father advised him to convert to
Blundeston Prison. His father advised him to convert to

Islam, telling him that Muslims were more egalitarian and they got better
Islam, telling him that Muslims were more egalitarian and they got better

food in prison. The next time Reid was incarcerated, he converted.
food in prison. The next time Reid was incarcerated, he converted.

Islamic radicalisation Upon his release from prison in 1996, he
Islamic radicalisation Upon his release from prison in 1996, he

joined the Brixton Mosque. He later began attending the Finsbury Park Mosque
joined the Brixton Mosque. He later began attending the Finsbury Park Mosque

in North London headed at that time by the anti-American cleric Abu Hamza
in North London headed at that time by the anti-American cleric Abu Hamza

al-Masri and described as "the heart of the extremist Islamic culture" in
al-Masri and described as "the heart of the extremist Islamic culture" in

Britain. By 1998 Reid was voicing extremist views, and may have fallen
Britain. By 1998 Reid was voicing extremist views, and may have fallen

under the sway of "terrorist talent spotters and handlers" allied with Al
under the sway of "terrorist talent spotters and handlers" allied with Al

Qaeda. He spent 1999 and 2000 in Pakistan and
Qaeda. He spent 1999 and 2000 in Pakistan and

trained at a terrorist camp in Afghanistan, according to several
trained at a terrorist camp in Afghanistan, according to several

informants. He may also have attended an anti-American religious training centre
informants. He may also have attended an anti-American religious training centre

in Lahore as a follower of Mubarak Ali Gilani.
in Lahore as a follower of Mubarak Ali Gilani.

After his return to Britain, Reid worked to obtain duplicate passports from
After his return to Britain, Reid worked to obtain duplicate passports from

British government consulates abroad. He lived and travelled in numerous places
British government consulates abroad. He lived and travelled in numerous places

in Europe, communicating via an address in Peshawar, Pakistan, a city known for
in Europe, communicating via an address in Peshawar, Pakistan, a city known for

its Al Qaeda connections. In July 2001, Reid flew to Israel, passing through the
its Al Qaeda connections. In July 2001, Reid flew to Israel, passing through the

El Al airline's very tight security network.
El Al airline's very tight security network.

Preparation for bombing Reid and Saajid Badat, another British
Preparation for bombing Reid and Saajid Badat, another British

man preparing as a terrorist, returned to Pakistan in November 2001, and
man preparing as a terrorist, returned to Pakistan in November 2001, and

reportedly travelled overland to Afghanistan. They were given "shoe
reportedly travelled overland to Afghanistan. They were given "shoe

bombs", casual footwear adapted to be covertly smuggled onto aircraft before
bombs", casual footwear adapted to be covertly smuggled onto aircraft before

being used to destroy them. Later forensic analysis of both bombs showed
being used to destroy them. Later forensic analysis of both bombs showed

that they contained the same plastic explosive and that the respective
that they contained the same plastic explosive and that the respective

lengths of detonator cord had come from the same batch: the cut mark on Badat's
lengths of detonator cord had come from the same batch: the cut mark on Badat's

cord exactly matches that on Reid's. The pair returned separately to the United
cord exactly matches that on Reid's. The pair returned separately to the United

Kingdom in early December 2001. Reid went to Belgium for 10 days before
Kingdom in early December 2001. Reid went to Belgium for 10 days before

catching a train to Paris on 16 December.
catching a train to Paris on 16 December.

On 21 December 2001, Reid attempted to board a flight from Paris to Miami,
On 21 December 2001, Reid attempted to board a flight from Paris to Miami,

Florida. His boarding was delayed because his dishevelled physical
Florida. His boarding was delayed because his dishevelled physical

appearance aroused the suspicions of the airline passenger screeners. In
appearance aroused the suspicions of the airline passenger screeners. In

addition, Reid did not answer all of their questions, and had not checked any
addition, Reid did not answer all of their questions, and had not checked any

luggage for the transatlantic flight. Additional screening by the French
luggage for the transatlantic flight. Additional screening by the French

National Police resulted in Reid's being re-issued a ticket for a flight on the
National Police resulted in Reid's being re-issued a ticket for a flight on the

following day. He returned to the Paris airport on 22 December 2001, and boarded
following day. He returned to the Paris airport on 22 December 2001, and boarded

American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami, wearing his special shoes
American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami, wearing his special shoes

packed with plastic explosives in their hollowed-out bottoms.
packed with plastic explosives in their hollowed-out bottoms.

Bombing attempt on American Airlines Flight 63
Bombing attempt on American Airlines Flight 63

On 22 December 2001, a passenger on Flight 63 from Paris to Miami,
On 22 December 2001, a passenger on Flight 63 from Paris to Miami,

complained of a smoke smell in the cabin shortly after a meal service. One flight
complained of a smoke smell in the cabin shortly after a meal service. One flight

attendant, Hermis Moutardier, thinking she smelled a burnt match, walked along
attendant, Hermis Moutardier, thinking she smelled a burnt match, walked along

the aisles of the plane, trying to assess the source. A passenger pointed
the aisles of the plane, trying to assess the source. A passenger pointed

to Reid, who was sitting alone near a window and attempting to light a match.
to Reid, who was sitting alone near a window and attempting to light a match.

Moutardier warned him that smoking was not allowed on the airplane. Reid
Moutardier warned him that smoking was not allowed on the airplane. Reid

promised to stop. A few minutes later, Moutardier found
promised to stop. A few minutes later, Moutardier found

Reid leaned over in his seat. Her attempts to get his attention failed.
Reid leaned over in his seat. Her attempts to get his attention failed.

After asking "What are you doing?" Reid grabbed at her, revealing one shoe in
After asking "What are you doing?" Reid grabbed at her, revealing one shoe in

his lap, a fuse which led into the shoe, and a lit match. She tried grabbing Reid
his lap, a fuse which led into the shoe, and a lit match. She tried grabbing Reid

twice, but he pushed her to the floor each time, and she yelled for help, and
twice, but he pushed her to the floor each time, and she yelled for help, and

ran to get water. When another flight attendant, Cristina Jones, arrived to
ran to get water. When another flight attendant, Cristina Jones, arrived to

try to subdue him, he fought her, biting her thumb, and Moutardier threw water in
try to subdue him, he fought her, biting her thumb, and Moutardier threw water in

his face. Several passengers worked together to subdue the 6 foot 4 inch
his face. Several passengers worked together to subdue the 6 foot 4 inch

tall, 200+ pound Reid. They restrained him using plastic handcuffs, seatbelt
tall, 200+ pound Reid. They restrained him using plastic handcuffs, seatbelt

extensions, leather waist belts and headphone cords. A doctor on board
extensions, leather waist belts and headphone cords. A doctor on board

administered a tranquiliser to him which he found in the emergency medical kit of
administered a tranquiliser to him which he found in the emergency medical kit of

the airliner. This flight was immediately diverted to Logan
the airliner. This flight was immediately diverted to Logan

International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, the closest US airport.
International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, the closest US airport.

The explosive apparently did not detonate due to the delay in the
The explosive apparently did not detonate due to the delay in the

take-off of Reid's flight. The rainy weather, perhaps along with Reid's foot
take-off of Reid's flight. The rainy weather, perhaps along with Reid's foot

perspiration, caused the fuse to be too damp to ignite.
perspiration, caused the fuse to be too damp to ignite.

Legal proceedings and sentencing Reid was immediately arrested at Logan
Legal proceedings and sentencing Reid was immediately arrested at Logan

International Airport after the incident. Two days later, he was charged
International Airport after the incident. Two days later, he was charged

before a federal court in Boston with "interfering with the performance of
before a federal court in Boston with "interfering with the performance of

duties of flight crew members by assault or intimidation", a crime which carries
duties of flight crew members by assault or intimidation", a crime which carries

a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The judge ordered
a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The judge ordered

Reid held in jail without bail, pending trial due to the gravity of the crimes
Reid held in jail without bail, pending trial due to the gravity of the crimes

and the perceived high risk that he would try to flee. Officials at the time
and the perceived high risk that he would try to flee. Officials at the time

indicated that Reid's shoes contained 10 ounces of explosive material
indicated that Reid's shoes contained 10 ounces of explosive material

characteristic of C-4—enough to blow a hole in the fuselage and cause the plane
characteristic of C-4—enough to blow a hole in the fuselage and cause the plane

to crash. During a preliminary hearing on 28
to crash. During a preliminary hearing on 28

December, an FBI agent testified that forensic analysis had identified the
December, an FBI agent testified that forensic analysis had identified the

chemicals as PETN, the primary explosive, and TATP, a chemical needed
chemicals as PETN, the primary explosive, and TATP, a chemical needed

to detonate the bomb with a fuse and match. The prosecutor obtained a grand
to detonate the bomb with a fuse and match. The prosecutor obtained a grand

jury indictment and on 16 January 2002, Reid was charged with eight criminal
jury indictment and on 16 January 2002, Reid was charged with eight criminal

counts related to terrorism, namely: attempted use of a weapon of mass
counts related to terrorism, namely: attempted use of a weapon of mass

destruction, attempted homicide,
destruction, attempted homicide,

placing an explosive device on an aircraft,
placing an explosive device on an aircraft,

attempted murder, interference with flight crew members
attempted murder, interference with flight crew members

and attendants, attempted destruction of an aircraft,
and attendants, attempted destruction of an aircraft,

using a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, and
using a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, and

attempted wrecking of a mass transportation vehicle.
attempted wrecking of a mass transportation vehicle.

Reid pleaded guilty to all eight counts on 4 October 2002. On 31 January 2003,
Reid pleaded guilty to all eight counts on 4 October 2002. On 31 January 2003,

he was sentenced by Judge William Young to the maximum of three consecutive life
he was sentenced by Judge William Young to the maximum of three consecutive life

sentences and 110 years with no possibility of parole. Reid was also
sentences and 110 years with no possibility of parole. Reid was also

fined the maximum of $250,000 on each count, a total of $2 million.
fined the maximum of $250,000 on each count, a total of $2 million.

During the sentencing hearing, Reid said he was an enemy of the United States and
During the sentencing hearing, Reid said he was an enemy of the United States and

in league with Al-Qaeda. When Reid said he was a soldier of God under the
in league with Al-Qaeda. When Reid said he was a soldier of God under the

command of Osama bin Laden, Judge Young responded:
command of Osama bin Laden, Judge Young responded:

"You are not an enemy combatant, you are a terrorist" ... "You are not a soldier
"You are not an enemy combatant, you are a terrorist" ... "You are not a soldier

in any army, you are a terrorist. To call you a soldier gives you far too
in any army, you are a terrorist. To call you a soldier gives you far too

much stature. You see that flag, Mr. Reid? That is the flag of the United
much stature. You see that flag, Mr. Reid? That is the flag of the United

States of America. That flag will be here long after you are forgotten."
States of America. That flag will be here long after you are forgotten."

Reid reportedly demonstrated a lack of remorse and a combative nature during
Reid reportedly demonstrated a lack of remorse and a combative nature during

the hearing, and said that "the flag will come down on the day of judgment."
the hearing, and said that "the flag will come down on the day of judgment."

He is serving his sentence at the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADX in
He is serving his sentence at the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADX in

Colorado, a supermax facility which holds the most dangerous prisoners in
Colorado, a supermax facility which holds the most dangerous prisoners in

the federal system. Conspirators
the federal system. Conspirators

Although Reid had insisted that he had acted alone and had built the bombs
Although Reid had insisted that he had acted alone and had built the bombs

himself, forensic evidence included material from another person. Later, a
himself, forensic evidence included material from another person. Later, a

British man, Saajid Badat from Gloucester, England, admitted that he
British man, Saajid Badat from Gloucester, England, admitted that he

had conspired with Richard Reid and a Tunisian man, in a plot to blow up two
had conspired with Richard Reid and a Tunisian man, in a plot to blow up two

airliners bound for the United States, using their shoe bombs. Badat has said
airliners bound for the United States, using their shoe bombs. Badat has said

that he had been instructed to board a flight from Amsterdam to the United
that he had been instructed to board a flight from Amsterdam to the United

States. Badat never boarded and withdrew from his part of the conspiracy. Badat
States. Badat never boarded and withdrew from his part of the conspiracy. Badat

did not warn criminal or aviation authorities about Reid.
did not warn criminal or aviation authorities about Reid.

Badat confessed immediately after being arrested by the British police. The
Badat confessed immediately after being arrested by the British police. The

detonator cord in Badat's bomb was found by experts to be an exact match for the
detonator cord in Badat's bomb was found by experts to be an exact match for the

cord on Reid's bomb, and their explosive chemicals were essentially identical. He
cord on Reid's bomb, and their explosive chemicals were essentially identical. He

had received the bomb-making materials from an Arab in Afghanistan. Badat was
had received the bomb-making materials from an Arab in Afghanistan. Badat was

sentenced to 13 years in prison by a British judge and has since been
sentenced to 13 years in prison by a British judge and has since been

released. Changes in airline security procedures
released. Changes in airline security procedures

As a result of these events, airlines required passengers departing from an
As a result of these events, airlines required passengers departing from an

airport in the United States to pass through airport security in socks or
airport in the United States to pass through airport security in socks or

bare feet while their shoes are scanned for bombs. Scanners do not find PETN in
bare feet while their shoes are scanned for bombs. Scanners do not find PETN in

shoes or strapped to a person. A chemical test is needed. However, even
shoes or strapped to a person. A chemical test is needed. However, even

if the X-ray scanners cannot detect all explosives, it is an effective way to
if the X-ray scanners cannot detect all explosives, it is an effective way to

see if the shoe has been altered to hold a bomb.
see if the shoe has been altered to hold a bomb.

In 2011, the rules were relaxed to allow children 12 and younger to keep their
In 2011, the rules were relaxed to allow children 12 and younger to keep their

shoes on during security screenings. Alleged role in September 11 attacks
shoes on during security screenings. Alleged role in September 11 attacks

The captured Al-Qaeda terrorist conspirator, Zacarias Moussaoui, stated
The captured Al-Qaeda terrorist conspirator, Zacarias Moussaoui, stated

at his sentencing hearing in 2006 that Reid was a co-conspirator in the 11
at his sentencing hearing in 2006 that Reid was a co-conspirator in the 11

September 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, and that Moussaoui and
September 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, and that Moussaoui and

Reid had intended to hijack a fifth aircraft and crash it into the White
Reid had intended to hijack a fifth aircraft and crash it into the White

House in Washington, D.C., as part of the attacks that took place that day.
House in Washington, D.C., as part of the attacks that took place that day.

Department of Justice investigators and the federal prosecutors were skeptical
Department of Justice investigators and the federal prosecutors were skeptical

of Moussaoui's claim that Reid was involved in the plot.
of Moussaoui's claim that Reid was involved in the plot.

Prison restrictions Reid filed a lawsuit against the
Prison restrictions Reid filed a lawsuit against the

restrictions placed on him in prison which controlled his communications with
restrictions placed on him in prison which controlled his communications with

lawyers and other non-prisoners, limited his access to Muslim clerics, and
lawyers and other non-prisoners, limited his access to Muslim clerics, and

prevented him from joining in group prayer at the prison. In 2009, Reid went
prevented him from joining in group prayer at the prison. In 2009, Reid went

on a hunger strike and was force-fed and hydrated for several weeks. It was
on a hunger strike and was force-fed and hydrated for several weeks. It was

unknown whether Reid's hunger strike was related to his lawsuit. The Department
unknown whether Reid's hunger strike was related to his lawsuit. The Department

of Justice, after consulting with its Counterterrorism Section, the
of Justice, after consulting with its Counterterrorism Section, the

prosecuting Federal District Attorney's office, and the Federal Bureau of
prosecuting Federal District Attorney's office, and the Federal Bureau of

Investigation, allowed these prison restrictions on Reid to expire during
Investigation, allowed these prison restrictions on Reid to expire during

2009, making his lawsuit moot. See also
2009, making his lawsuit moot. See also

7 July 2005 London bombings Islamic terrorism
7 July 2005 London bombings Islamic terrorism

Najibullah Zazi Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
Najibullah Zazi Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab

United Airlines Flight 663 incident List of foiled Islamic terrorist plots
United Airlines Flight 663 incident List of foiled Islamic terrorist plots

in the post-9/11 United States References
in the post-9/11 United States References

External links Staff and agencies. "Mosque leader warns
External links Staff and agencies. "Mosque leader warns

over extremist converts". The Guardian. "Richard Reid pleads guilty". CNN. 22
over extremist converts". The Guardian. "Richard Reid pleads guilty". CNN. 22

January 2002. Harris, Paul; Walsh, Nick P; Wazir,
January 2002. Harris, Paul; Walsh, Nick P; Wazir,

Burhan. "The Shoe-bomb Terrorist". The Tribune. India.
Burhan. "The Shoe-bomb Terrorist". The Tribune. India.

Shafi, Kamran. "The knives are out". Mikkelson, Barbara. "Reid My Lips".
Shafi, Kamran. "The knives are out". Mikkelson, Barbara. "Reid My Lips".

Retrieved 5 February 2010.
Retrieved 5 February 2010.