John Smeaton (baggage handler)
Encyclopedia
John Smeaton QGM
(born Bishopton
, Renfrewshire
in 1976) is a Scottish
former baggage handler
at Glasgow International Airport
. He became involved in thwarting the 2007 Glasgow International Airport Attack
. Smeaton lives in Erskine
, Renfrewshire
, a town outside the city and near the airport. Brought up in Erskine, he was educated at Park Mains High School
. Smeaton stood as an Independent
candidate in the 2009 Glasgow North East by-election
.
He added "I thought, 'That's not right,' and ran over to assist. All that was going through my mind was I've got to help the policeman, I'm not letting these guys get away with this."
It was reported that Smeaton shouted "fuck
in' mon, then" and aimed a kick at Kafeel Ahmed
, who later died from his 90% burns following the attack.
During the incident Smeaton also helped drag Michael Kerr to safety after Kerr, another person to intervene in the event, had been left lying with a broken leg beside the burning jeep after kicking Mr Ahmed himself.
The incident has been described as inspiring others to take personal initiative and act decisively in a crisis. Newsagent
and former policeman Mohammed Afzah cited Smeaton as inspiration for his facing down and repelling a would-be armed robber.
In late July, Smeaton returned to his old job as a baggage handler at the airport. Later in the year he accepted a job as head of security at a nearby company.
On 18 December 2007, it was announced that Smeaton was to be awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal
for his actions; this was presented by the Queen
at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace
on 4 March 2008.
, ITV
and CNN
which were broadcast worldwide, gaining Smeaton a fanbase of admirers.
The television interviews that brought him to the attention of the world were based around his own reaction to the attack.
in its first 48 hours. The website urges visitors to buy a pint of beer for him; over 1000 pints were donated within two days. The BBC reported on the 18 July 2007 that John Smeaton has pledged half of the money donated for pints of beer to the veteran's charity Erskine, which cares for former servicemen and women at five homes throughout Scotland. The balance of the money was to be used to fund a night out for those who also assisted at the incident at Glasgow Airport.
The website also called for Smeaton to make an appearance at the popular Scottish music festival
, T in the Park
. The website's creator said:
He was due to take to the stage and perform a rendition of Take the Power Back by Rage Against The Machine
. However, T in the Park organizer Geoff Ellis said: “Through his actions at the weekend, John Smeaton absolutely epitomizes the spirit of Scotland that we are always so proud of at T in the Park. However, due to heightened security and an incredibly tight performance schedule on the Main Stage at T in the Park this year, unfortunately we can’t allow him to get up on stage”.
A Bebo
group was also set up in dedication to Smeaton, called the John Smeaton Fan Club. Over 550 Bebo members had joined the club within 48 hours, and this page also received exposure in the Daily Record
.
A Facebook
group called the John Smeaton Appreciation Society was also established with over 4,000 members; this refers to John as: 'Glasgow's Jack Bauer
.'
Smeaton was also the subject of a front-page article in The Wall Street Journal
.
In the weeks after the attack, Smeaton made a variety of public appearances and interviews including appearing on the pitch at Ibrox Stadium
before a Rangers F.C home game. and meeting Prime Minister Gordon Brown
at 10 Downing Street
. He also appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
In September 2007 he started writing a column for the Scottish edition of The Sun
newspaper every Thursday, called 'The Column That Sets Aboot Ye'.
He was invited to appear at the World Trade Center
ground zero
for the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks
. He also appeared on Richard & Judy
.
On 12 September 2007 he received an official audience with New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at New York City Hall. On 24 September 2007 he attended the Labour Party Conference and his exploits were referred to by Gordon Brown
in his speech. He also received a standing ovation from the crowd.
In the October 2007 edition of the men's magazine Loaded
, John Smeaton revealed in an interview that he feared "a jihad or a fatwa being issued" against him, but added, "that would just be fate. I can't stop a bloke with an AK47. One thing is for certain, they'll have to kill me. They'll never take me alive." In the same month, Smeaton and other bystanders who intervened in the Glasgow International Airport attack were recognised at the Pride of Britain Awards
.
18 November 2007 saw Smeaton voted as 3rd most eligible male in Scotland in Scotland on Sunday
's Spectator magazine supplement.
On 6 December 2007 John Smeaton was presented a CNN
Everyday Superhero Award in New York.
On 18 December 2007 John Smeaton was awarded a Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
In the same month Smeaton was named as one of the ten "Top Scots 2007" by Scotland on Sunday.
candidate in the 2009 Glasgow North East by-election
called as a result of the resignation of the former Speaker of the House Michael Martin in the aftermath of the MP's expenses scandal
. Smeaton was the first Jury Team-supported independent to be selected for a Westminster
election, following the umbrella organisation's launch in March 2009, and their backing of 59 candidates in the 4 June 2009 European elections
. Labour won the seat with 12,231 votes while Smeaton polled 258 votes; eighth amongst 13 candidates. Smeaton's by-election campaign was the subject of a BBC One
documentary titled Make Me an MP, aired on 18 November 2009.
Queen's Gallantry Medal
The Queen's Gallantry Medal is the third level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.It was instituted on 20 June 1974 to replace the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry, the British Empire Medal for Gallantry, and the Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry...
(born Bishopton
Bishopton, Renfrewshire
Bishopton is a large village in Renfrewshire, Scotland, a few miles west of Erskine.-Transport links:Bishopton sits a couple of miles from the southern end of the Erskine Bridge, which spans the River Clyde between Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire. Part way along the B815 road is a computer...
, Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire is one of 32 council areas used for local government in Scotland. Located in the west central Lowlands, it is one of three council areas contained within the boundaries of the historic county of Renfrewshire, the others being Inverclyde to the west and East Renfrewshire to the east...
in 1976) is a Scottish
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
former baggage handler
Baggage handler
In the airline industry, a baggage handler is a person who loads and unloads baggage , and other cargo for transport via aircraft...
at Glasgow International Airport
Glasgow International Airport
Glasgow International Airport is an international airport in Scotland, located west of Glasgow city centre, near the towns of Paisley and Renfrew in Renfrewshire...
. He became involved in thwarting the 2007 Glasgow International Airport Attack
2007 Glasgow International Airport attack
The 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack was a terrorist attack which occurred on Saturday 30 June 2007, at 15:11 BST, when a dark green Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane canisters was driven into the glass doors of the Glasgow International Airport terminal and set ablaze...
. Smeaton lives in Erskine
Erskine
Erskine is a town in the council area of Renfrewshire, and historic county of the same name, in the west central Lowlands of Scotland.It lies on the southern bank of the River Clyde, providing the lowest crossing to the north bank of the river at Erskine Bridge connecting the town to Old Kilpatrick...
, Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire is one of 32 council areas used for local government in Scotland. Located in the west central Lowlands, it is one of three council areas contained within the boundaries of the historic county of Renfrewshire, the others being Inverclyde to the west and East Renfrewshire to the east...
, a town outside the city and near the airport. Brought up in Erskine, he was educated at Park Mains High School
Park Mains High School
Park Mains High School is Renfrewshire's largest secondary school situated in the Park Mains area of Erskine, taking in students from the town as well as Bishopton, Inchinnan and Langbank....
. Smeaton stood as an Independent
Independent (politician)
In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do...
candidate in the 2009 Glasgow North East by-election
Glasgow North East by-election, 2009
The 2009 Glasgow North East by-election was a by-election for the Parliament of the United Kingdom's House of Commons constituency of Glasgow North East. The by-election was held on 12 November 2009 following the resignation of Michael Martin as an MP and as Speaker of the British House of Commons...
.
Glasgow International Airport attack
Smeaton, a baggage handler, was off duty when he saw the incident start to develop. He later recalled his first thoughts on being confronted by the two desperate suspects who drove a burning jeep filled with explosives into the airport entrance. He heard three explosions during his break: "What's the score? I've got to get this sorted."He added "I thought, 'That's not right,' and ran over to assist. All that was going through my mind was I've got to help the policeman, I'm not letting these guys get away with this."
It was reported that Smeaton shouted "fuck
Fuck
"Fuck" is an English word that is generally considered obscene which, in its most literal meaning, refers to the act of sexual intercourse. By extension it may be used to negatively characterize anything that can be dismissed, disdained, defiled, or destroyed."Fuck" can be used as a verb, adverb,...
in' mon, then" and aimed a kick at Kafeel Ahmed
Kafeel Ahmed
Kafeel Ahmed was one of two terrorists behind the 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack, who later died of his injuries sustained in the attacks.-History:...
, who later died from his 90% burns following the attack.
During the incident Smeaton also helped drag Michael Kerr to safety after Kerr, another person to intervene in the event, had been left lying with a broken leg beside the burning jeep after kicking Mr Ahmed himself.
The incident has been described as inspiring others to take personal initiative and act decisively in a crisis. Newsagent
Newsagent
A newsagent's shop , newsagency or newsstand is a business that sells newspapers, magazines, cigarettes, snacks and often items of local interest. In Britain and Australia, these businesses are termed newsagents...
and former policeman Mohammed Afzah cited Smeaton as inspiration for his facing down and repelling a would-be armed robber.
In late July, Smeaton returned to his old job as a baggage handler at the airport. Later in the year he accepted a job as head of security at a nearby company.
On 18 December 2007, it was announced that Smeaton was to be awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal
Queen's Gallantry Medal
The Queen's Gallantry Medal is the third level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.It was instituted on 20 June 1974 to replace the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry, the British Empire Medal for Gallantry, and the Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry...
for his actions; this was presented by the Queen
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, in London, is the principal residence and office of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality...
on 4 March 2008.
Television interviews
Following the attack, Smeaton gave television interviews to the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
, ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
and CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
which were broadcast worldwide, gaining Smeaton a fanbase of admirers.
The television interviews that brought him to the attention of the world were based around his own reaction to the attack.
- After he saw the police grappling with one of the attackers, he thought:
- "You're no' hitting the Polis mate, there's nae chance."
- Describing his own actions:
- "So I ran straight towards the guy, we're all trying to get a kick-in at him, take a boot to subdue the guy."
- Asked by ITV NewsITV NewsITV News is the branding of news programmes on the British television network ITV. Since 1955, ITV's news bulletins have been produced by Independent Television News . The channel's news coverage has won awards from the Royal Television Society, Emmy Awards and BAFTAs. Between 2004 and 2008, the...
what his message to terrorists was, he said:
- "Glasgow doesn't accept this. This is Glasgow; we'll set aboot ye."
- In his News of the WorldNews of the WorldThe News of the World was a national red top newspaper published in the United Kingdom from 1843 to 2011. It was at one time the biggest selling English language newspaper in the world, and at closure still had one of the highest English language circulations...
interview, he said:
- "If any more extremists are still wanting to rise up and start trouble, know this: We’ll rise right back up against you. New York, Madrid, London, Paisley … we’re all in this together and make no mistake, none of us will hold back from putting the boot in."
- The SunThe Sun (newspaper)The Sun is a daily national tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom and owned by News Corporation. Sister editions are published in Glasgow and Dublin...
interviewed him for its 12 July edition. One quote reads:
- "Would you stop it with all this hero worship? Anyone else would have done exactly the same as me."
- From an interview with Scotland TodayScotland TodayScotland Today was a Scottish regional news programme covering Central Scotland, produced by STV Central . Despite its name suggesting a national remit, the programme was actually limited to stories around STV's Central Belt franchise...
:
- "If you see the law going down then you have to step up to the plate. I mean, at the end of the day, when the law falls, we fall."
Tribute website and media attention
A tribute website was set up in Smeaton's honour, which received 500,000 hitsHit (internet)
A hit is a request to a web server for a file . When a web page is uploaded from a server the number of "hits" or "page hits" is equal to the number of files requested. Therefore, one page load does not always equal one hit because often pages are made up of other images and other files which stack...
in its first 48 hours. The website urges visitors to buy a pint of beer for him; over 1000 pints were donated within two days. The BBC reported on the 18 July 2007 that John Smeaton has pledged half of the money donated for pints of beer to the veteran's charity Erskine, which cares for former servicemen and women at five homes throughout Scotland. The balance of the money was to be used to fund a night out for those who also assisted at the incident at Glasgow Airport.
The website also called for Smeaton to make an appearance at the popular Scottish music festival
Music festival
A music festival is a festival oriented towards music that is sometimes presented with a theme such as musical genre, nationality or locality of musicians, or holiday. They are commonly held outdoors, and are often inclusive of other attractions such as food and merchandise vending machines,...
, T in the Park
T in the Park
T in the Park is a major British music festival that has been held annually since 1994. It is named after its main sponsor, the brewing company Tennents. It was originally held at Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire but since 1997 has been held at a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross-shire...
. The website's creator said:
He was due to take to the stage and perform a rendition of Take the Power Back by Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
. However, T in the Park organizer Geoff Ellis said: “Through his actions at the weekend, John Smeaton absolutely epitomizes the spirit of Scotland that we are always so proud of at T in the Park. However, due to heightened security and an incredibly tight performance schedule on the Main Stage at T in the Park this year, unfortunately we can’t allow him to get up on stage”.
A Bebo
Bebo
Bebo is a social networking website launched in July 2005. It is currently owned and operated by Criterion Capital Partners after taking over from AOL in June 2010....
group was also set up in dedication to Smeaton, called the John Smeaton Fan Club. Over 550 Bebo members had joined the club within 48 hours, and this page also received exposure in the Daily Record
Daily Record (Scotland)
The Daily Record is a Scottish tabloid newspaper based in Glasgow. It had been the best-selling daily paper in Scotland for many years with a paid circulation in August 2011 of 307,794 . It is now outsold by its arch-rival the Scottish Sun which in September 2010 had a circulation of 339,586 in...
.
A Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
group called the John Smeaton Appreciation Society was also established with over 4,000 members; this refers to John as: 'Glasgow's Jack Bauer
Jack Bauer
Jack Bauer is the main protagonist of the American television series 24. His character has worked in various capacities on the show, often as a member of the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit based in Los Angeles, and working with the FBI in Washington, D.C...
.'
Smeaton was also the subject of a front-page article in The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal is an American English-language international daily newspaper. It is published in New York City by Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corporation, along with the Asian and European editions of the Journal....
.
In the weeks after the attack, Smeaton made a variety of public appearances and interviews including appearing on the pitch at Ibrox Stadium
Ibrox Stadium
Ibrox Stadium is a football stadium located on the south side of the River Clyde, on Edmiston Drive in the Ibrox district of Glasgow. It is the home ground of Scottish Premier League club Rangers and has an all-seated capacity of 51,082...
before a Rangers F.C home game. and meeting Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown
James Gordon Brown is a British Labour Party politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 until 2010. He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government from 1997 to 2007...
at 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as "Number 10", is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is now always the Prime Minister....
. He also appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
In September 2007 he started writing a column for the Scottish edition of The Sun
The Sun (newspaper)
The Sun is a daily national tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom and owned by News Corporation. Sister editions are published in Glasgow and Dublin...
newspaper every Thursday, called 'The Column That Sets Aboot Ye'.
He was invited to appear at the World Trade Center
World Trade Center
The original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
ground zero
Ground zero
The term ground zero describes the point on the Earth's surface closest to a detonation...
for the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
. He also appeared on Richard & Judy
Richard & Judy
Richard & Judy was a British magazine/chat show which was presented by married couple Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. It originally aired on Channel 4 from 2001 to 2008 but later moved to digital channel Watch in October 2008. It featured the world's most famous stars, along with their Book Club...
.
On 12 September 2007 he received an official audience with New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at New York City Hall. On 24 September 2007 he attended the Labour Party Conference and his exploits were referred to by Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown
James Gordon Brown is a British Labour Party politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 until 2010. He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government from 1997 to 2007...
in his speech. He also received a standing ovation from the crowd.
In the October 2007 edition of the men's magazine Loaded
Loaded (magazine)
Loaded, first published in 1994, is a British magazine for men that is considered to be the "original lads' mag". Its motto is "For men who should know better".-History:...
, John Smeaton revealed in an interview that he feared "a jihad or a fatwa being issued" against him, but added, "that would just be fate. I can't stop a bloke with an AK47. One thing is for certain, they'll have to kill me. They'll never take me alive." In the same month, Smeaton and other bystanders who intervened in the Glasgow International Airport attack were recognised at the Pride of Britain Awards
Pride of Britain Awards
The Pride of Britain Awards is an annual event in the United Kingdom, honouring ordinary people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challenging situations....
.
Awards
On 9 November 2007, Smeaton was one of four members of the public who were presented with Daily Mirror Pride of Britain awards.18 November 2007 saw Smeaton voted as 3rd most eligible male in Scotland in Scotland on Sunday
Scotland on Sunday
Scotland on Sunday is a Scottish Sunday newspaper, published in Edinburgh by The Scotsman Publications Ltd and consequently assuming the role of Sunday sister to its daily stablemate The Scotsman...
's Spectator magazine supplement.
On 6 December 2007 John Smeaton was presented a CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
Everyday Superhero Award in New York.
- John Smeaton, the baggage handler hero of The Glasgow Airport terror attack.. who with several others, attacked the terrorists who attempted to blow up the crowded passenger terminal on 30 June..and who then himself became World Headline News when he was interviewed and declared to terrorists everywhere…
- “DON’T COME TO GLASGOW! .. COS WE’LL SET ABOOT YE! ” .. and as a result became an internet phenomenon.
On 18 December 2007 John Smeaton was awarded a Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
In the same month Smeaton was named as one of the ten "Top Scots 2007" by Scotland on Sunday.
Doubts
In March 2008 reports began to circulate in the national press that Smeaton's involvement in the incident had been exaggerated, and that others, who had done more to restrain the attackers, had not been recognised with awards such as the Queen's Gallantry Medal. Alex McIlveen, who tore a tendon in his foot while tackling burning Kafeel Ahmed, told reporters: "John Smeaton is not telling the whole truth. When it came to tackling the bombers, he didn't land a blow." He denied claims that he was a fake and had already stated in 2007 that he felt the press were not giving enough credit to the others involved.2009 Glasgow North East by-election
On 25 September 2009, it was announced that Smeaton would stand as an IndependentIndependent (politician)
In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do...
candidate in the 2009 Glasgow North East by-election
Glasgow North East by-election, 2009
The 2009 Glasgow North East by-election was a by-election for the Parliament of the United Kingdom's House of Commons constituency of Glasgow North East. The by-election was held on 12 November 2009 following the resignation of Michael Martin as an MP and as Speaker of the British House of Commons...
called as a result of the resignation of the former Speaker of the House Michael Martin in the aftermath of the MP's expenses scandal
United Kingdom Parliamentary expenses scandal
The United Kingdom parliamentary expenses scandal was a major political scandal triggered by the leak and subsequent publication by the Telegraph Group in 2009 of expense claims made by members of the United Kingdom Parliament over several years...
. Smeaton was the first Jury Team-supported independent to be selected for a Westminster
Parliament of the United Kingdom
The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, British Crown dependencies and British overseas territories, located in London...
election, following the umbrella organisation's launch in March 2009, and their backing of 59 candidates in the 4 June 2009 European elections
European Parliament election, 2009 (United Kingdom)
The European Parliament election was the United Kingdom's component of the 2009 European Parliament election, the voting for which was held on Thursday 4 June 2009, coinciding with the 2009 local elections in England. Most of the results of the election were announced on Sunday 7 June, after...
. Labour won the seat with 12,231 votes while Smeaton polled 258 votes; eighth amongst 13 candidates. Smeaton's by-election campaign was the subject of a BBC One
BBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
documentary titled Make Me an MP, aired on 18 November 2009.