June 29, 1999
Web posted at: 8:01 PM EDT (0001 GMT)

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- American Airlines said Tuesday it had beefed up security at Los Angeles International Airport after threatening graffiti was found in one of its hangars earlier this month.

The airline refused to comment on the exact wording of the graffiti but said it was threatening in nature. American Airlines spokesman Mark Slitt said the graffiti issued what he called a "life threat," but he said it did not target a specific group or individual.

The graffiti was found in a secured hangar that is not accessible to the general public. It is used for general maintenance and other workplace activities, and it is also subleased to other companies. Slitt did not know which other companies use the hangar.

Slitt said he could not comment on the enhanced security measures but did say regular employees were being subjected to additional security screenings. He said airlines receive threats regularly and have measures in place to address them.

The airline is cooperating with law enforcement officials regarding the graffiti incident, he said.

"While this could be a hoax, this threat of violence is deeply disturbing and we are taking it very seriously," a statement issued by the airline said.

Airport officials refused to comment about the graffiti and referred all calls to the airline.