Norman Mineta

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta is opposed to demands by commercial pilots for firearms to defend against hijackers.

Transportation Department officials say Mr. Mineta, instead, would support arming pilots with non-lethal weapons like stun guns, which use an electric current to temporarily incapacitate an attacker.

Airlines have adamantly refused to provide pilots with firearms out of fear flying bullets would damage planes and prompt lawsuits if passengers are struck unintentionally.

But at least two pilot unions support arming their members with handguns on a voluntary basis, saying they believe stun guns are not reliable and not practical if a pilot is faced with several attackers.

Some information for this report provided by Reuters

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