Saudi tourists detained, questioned at airport

Police detained and questioned nine Saudi Arabian men at Whiteman Airport after someone called authorities and said the men looked suspicious.

The men, tourists visiting the Los Angeles area, were at the small, private airport about 3 p.m. Friday to take helicopter rides, said Deputy Chief Michael Downing, head of the Los Angeles Police Department’s counterterrorism bureau.

Three of the men were in a helicopter touring downtown when police arrived. Upon their return, all nine men were detained, authorities said.

The men were cooperative, had legitimate visas and were released, Downing said.