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Today in History: Shoe Bomber Fails to Detonate on Flight

12/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 22, 2001, Richard Reid, known as the "Shoe Bomber," attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoe aboard American Airlines Flight 63. The flight, carrying 197 passengers from Paris to Miami, was diverted after crew members thwarted Reid's attack, marking a significant moment in aviation security history.

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Story summary

On December 22, 2001, Richard Reid, known as the "Shoe Bomber," attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoe aboard American Airlines Flight 63. The flight, carrying 197 passengers from Paris to Miami, was diverted after crew members thwarted Reid's attack, marking a significant moment in aviation security history.