Orthodox Jews Wearing Tefillin On Flight Cause Security Scare At LAX

LOS ANGELES — Three men praying on an arriving Alaska Airlines flight sparked security concerns on the plane and at Los Angeles International Airport, but authorities say there was no threat and no arrests were made.

Airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan says flight attendants on Flight 241 from Mexico City became alarmed Sunday morning after the three passengers began an elaborate orthodox Jewish prayer ritual, which involves tying leather straps and small wooden boxes to the body.

The pilots locked down the cockpit and FBI and customs agents, along with police and fire crews, met the plane at the gate.

LAX police say two or three men were escorted off the plane, briefly questioned by the FBI, and released. There were no arrests.