Alleged ‘‘shoe bomber’’ Richard Reid was considered a top security risk and had to remove his shoes for special screening before boarding a flight from Israel this summer.

The alleged ‘‘shoe bomber’’ Richard Reid was today preparing to appear in a US court as his parents spoke of their shock that he had apparently tried to bring down a passenger plane.

The mother of the alleged shoe bomber Richard Reid spoke of her shock and concern about the claims her son had apparently tried to bring down a passenger plane.