Latest news with #BenColeman
CBS News
19-05-2025
- CBS News
Video shows delivery driver in restricted area at O'Hare International Airport
Video has been released of an incident this past weekend in which a DoorDash delivery driver drove miles through a secured and restricted area at O'Hare International Airport. The Chicago Department of Aviation said that there were no disruptions to operations at O'Hare, and that the area was swept by Chicago police. But the department did not address how the driver was able to get onto the tarmac. Video shows the moment police and airport security caught up with a food delivery driver on the tarmac at O'Hare near United Airlines Gate C16 around noon Saturday. The unauthorized red car evaded security and somehow ended up next to a plane. "A lot of very bad things can happen," said Ben Coleman, a former Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector and investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board. "Once they get in there, they really don't know what to do." Coleman said there are supposed to be safeguards to prevent such an incident. "It's not supposed to happen, and that's the reason we have security posts, security guards," Coleman said, "and we have a myriad of different things that are supposed to stop that from happening." Police said the 36-year-old man accidentally drove past a gate into a restricted area. Police audio suggests it took 16 minutes from the time cameras caught the car entering O'Hare to United Airlines calling police. Lincoln Security Services is contracted to secure several access points at O'Hare. Jim Pitts, the company's chief operating officer, released the following statement: "We are aware of the reported incident and are actively investigating in coordination with airport authorities. While the facts are still under review, we would caution against drawing conclusions based on incomplete or secondhand information. "Lincoln Security Services is one component of the airport's multi-layered security system, designed to protect the integrity of O'Hare's operations. With tens of thousands of vehicles, employees, and support vendors moving through the airport daily, our team is trained and equipped to monitor for anomalies and respond swiftly. In this case, the situation was identified and mitigated within minutes — demonstrating the value of multi-layered safeguards and prompt coordination. "Lincoln maintains a strong safety record at O'Hare International Airport, supported by rigorous quality assurance protocols and extensive officer training on access control, perimeter security standards, and multi-agency response protocols. "The safety and security of the airport community is our highest priority. We appreciate the opportunity to respond and will quickly share additional information, if appropriate, once the investigation is complete and in alignment with CDA communication protocols." Meanwhile, Coleman said incidents like the one last weekend are less out-of-the-ordinary than they seem. Surveillance video from February shows the moment a motorist drove a car onto the tarmac at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky. In November 2020, a pursuit played out on the taxiway at the Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles after a driver busted through a fence. In June 2021, also in Los Angeles, a car crashed through a gate and crossed two runways at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Chicago Department of Aviation released this statement regarding the incident at O'Hare this past weekend: "The safety and security of the traveling public, airport workers, and airport facilities remain the top priorities of the CDA. Over the weekend, an individual unaffiliated with airport operations was located in a secured area at O'Hare International Airport. The incident is under investigation by the CDA in partnership with the Chicago Police Department. There were no operational disruptions or safety incidents reported, and the area was promptly swept by CPD and Aviation Security personnel out of an abundance of caution. Questions regarding charges or law enforcement actions should be directed to the Chicago Police Department. The CDA is taking this matter seriously and will use the findings of the investigation to inform any necessary follow-up or corrective measures." DoorDash said the incident Saturday appeared to be simply a case of a driver getting lost.
Maroc
08-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
UK Reaffirms Commitment to Deepen Partnership with Morocco
The British government reaffirmed on Wednesday its commitment to deepening its partnership with Morocco, hailing the Kingdom as a "trusted partner." The statement was delivered by Ben Coleman, the United Kingdom's Trade Envoy to Morocco and West Africa, during the 8th "Morocco Capital Markets Days" conference, held in the City of London—the country's financial district. Coleman welcomed the convening of this event, emphasizing its role in reinforcing the financial ties between the British and Moroccan financial markets. This conference comes at a time when vast opportunities are being offered for developing economic and trade relations between the UK and Morocco, two countries bound by a relationship that dates back more than 8 centuries. "As Trade Envoy, I am determined to play a role in helping strengthen investments and ensuring that Morocco and the UK are able to seize the opportunities on offer," Coleman said before an audience of diplomats, government officials, and financial professionals. The official emphasized what he described as the special importance the British government attaches to relations with Morocco, aiming to build on the longstanding ties between the two kingdoms to elevate their partnership. The two countries signed their first trade agreement in 1721, over three centuries ago, Coleman recalled, noting that since then, trade between Morocco and the UK has continued to grow. For the UK official, the positive development of economic and trade exchanges between the two countries is a sign of trust and a reflection of shared ambition. He expressed confidence that both nations have all the potential to move forward. "Our economies are highly complementary,' he noted. "Morocco Capital Markets Days" will explore ways to financially support the development of economic relations between the two countries, he added. Coleman also praised Morocco's notable strides in infrastructure development, citing the expansion of the high-speed rail line (LGV) as a key example of transformative projects positioning the Kingdom for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. These projects testify to Morocco's vision and determination, said the British official, expressing the United Kingdom's willingness to take part in the wave of progress the Kingdom is experiencing. The British Prime Minister's Trade Envoy emphasized the importance of the partnership with Morocco in West Africa and beyond. "Morocco is a tremendous gateway to Africa." He also underlined the crucial role the business community has to play in bringing to life a Moroccan-British partnership that matches the aspirations and potential of both countries. The 8th edition of the Morocco Capital Markets Days will continue until Friday in the British capital. More than 34 Moroccan listed companies and a wide range of capital market players engage with key stakeholders in the City and forge partnerships. This year's edition is part of the Morocco Business Weeks, held in London from April 28 to May 9, with the aim of highlighting Morocco's economic potential and strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom. Through this event, the Casablanca Stock Exchange reaffirms its commitment to connecting the Moroccan capital market with major international financial centers and enhancing Morocco's appeal to foreign investors.
Ya Biladi
08-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
UK hails Morocco as «trusted partner» at London Capital Markets event
During the 8th edition of the Morocco Capital Markets Days, held in London's financial district, the United Kingdom reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Morocco. Through the words of Ben Coleman, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Trade Envoy, the British government described Morocco as a «trusted partner» and emphasized the strategic importance of this bilateral relationship. «The government is fully committed to deepening the relations between our two countries», stated Coleman, applauding the expanding economic cooperation. He recalled that the two kingdoms share over 800 years of history, with the first trade agreement signed in 1721, and stressed the need to build on this heritage to seize future opportunities. Before an audience of diplomats, officials, and finance professionals, the Trade Envoy praised the economic complementarities between the two countries and the prospects offered by events like the Morocco Capital Markets Days. This forum brings together more than 34 listed Moroccan companies and facilitates around 160 B2B meetings with international investors, aiming to strengthen exchanges between the financial markets of the two countries. Coleman also highlighted Morocco's progress, particularly in terms of infrastructure, citing the extension of the high-speed rail line in preparation for the 2030 World Cup. He expressed the UK's desire to participate in this development dynamic while underscoring Morocco's key role as a gateway to West Africa. Organized with the support of the Moroccan embassy in London, this 8th edition is part of the Morocco Business Weeks, aimed at showcasing the Kingdom's economic potential and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
