Not sure about that. On 9/11 would you have rather had 2 planes shot down by F-16's over less populated land or crash into the World Trade Center buildings? Either way all pax on board the planes would die but thousands of other lives might have been saved not to mention the devastation caused to NYC.

I hope we never have to face that difficult question but I believe strongly our government should move to protect its citizens and sacrifice as few lives as possible in these heinous terroristic activities. If that means shooting down a rogue plane who has been taken over by illicit activities I am all for it.

And I don't think that authorization would be given unless it was clear severe harm was planned. A rogue plane is headed toward DC after being taken hostage by terrorists.... I don't think they're trying to get a better view of the Washington Monument.