TSA facing questions after passengers bypass security
Friday, 21 Feb, 2017
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In a second major airport security breach of the holiday weekend, a number of passengers breezed through TSA screening without being checked and boarded flights out of New York’s JFK airport.
A security lane was left unattended at the airport early on Monday, and 11 passengers passed through without being checked.
Of those 11, three set off metal detector alarms.
Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo said it happened at terminal 5.
An airport source told the New York Daily News the agency breached protocol by not informing law enforcement for two hours.
"The TSA tried to mitigate the situation by sending their screeners through the terminal in violation of all the protocols. The protocol says law enforcement is immediately notified."
Three passengers were later identified from CCTV footage and were tracked down onboard a flight to California.
The TSA then ‘conducted security measures’ at the destination, TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said.
Rather optimistically, Melendez said. "We are confident this incident presents minimal risk to the aviation transportation system. Once our review is complete, TSA will take appropriate action."
Sen. Charles Schumer had some harsh words for the agency.
"This security breach is inexcusable. To have people go through the security lines unchecked, and then for TSA not to alert the Port Authority for two hours — can you imagine what could happen within two hours? The TSA has to tighten things up."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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