It was really close...

Christopher,

I think the Secret Service showed considerable restraint.


Because the "collateral damage" of shooting the plane down would have
been way higher than any damage inflicted by the plane itself. Simple
as that.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

"Thomas Borchert" wrote in message

I think the Secret Service showed considerable restraint.

Because the "collateral damage" of shooting the plane down would have
been way higher than any damage inflicted by the plane itself. Simple
as that.

Theoretical.

A plane crashed into the white house lawn once already. If it had
disintegrated in midair and showered down somewhere, it wouldn't necessarily
inflict any higher damage than a Cessna plowing into the front of the White
House or some open assembly of people.

-c

So you are saying that they would not have shot it down, ever? Of course,
they knew pretty early on that it was of little threat, so the fighters were
not sent up until fairly late. But, what would the collateral damage be from
shooting down a Beech 1900 or a 737? Where would they choose to shoot it
down? It's gonna end up in somebody's yard.

--
Hello, my name is Mike, and I am an airplane addict....

"Thomas Borchert" wrote in message
...

Because the "collateral damage" of shooting the plane down would have
been way higher than any damage inflicted by the plane itself. Simple
as that.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)