Third Trip to Edinburg Airport Uncovers Lax Security

City manager says contractor left the gates open

EDINBURG - Six years after the September 11th attacks many small airports remain vulnerable to terrorists.

Counter-terrorism experts tell NEWSCHANNEL 5 Al-Qaeda could be plotting to steal a small plane, pack it with explosives, and fly it into a high-value target like a crowded building or stadium.

The government is working with small airports to improve security measures.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 put the new security to the test at an airport we have documented security problems with before.

Will Ripley managed to walk through an open gate and wander around the Edinburg Airport for more than half an hour, gaining access to many restricted areas.

During the time, Will even questioned pilots about stealing aircraft.

Airport Director Deborah Melvin called police and reported Will Ripley for entering a restricted area.

Once the police arrived, they issued a warning for criminal trespassing.

Edinburg City Manager J.J. Rodriguez says a contractor working on a new warehouse left the gates opened and failed to report Will Ripley when he entered the area.

"I think what we need to do is address it to the contractor immediately in order to avoid this from happening again," says Rodriguez.

He tells NEWSCHANNEL 5 new security measures have been put in place since our visit to the airport a year ago.

New security cameras are in place, and there's a direct phone line to the government.

The city promises the Edinburg Airport is more secure but says more needs to be done.