Eagle-Eyed TSA Screeners Don't Notice Loaded Handgun In Man's Carry-On
If you thought the TSA’s inability to notice a 6-inch hunting knife was a sign that airport screeners might as well be watching Spongebob instead of X-raying you and your stuff, here’s further proof.
A man in Houston says the TSA screeners didn’t blink an eye at the loaded .40 caliber handgun he’d forgotten was tucked away in his computer bag when he made his way through the security checkpoint at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Since the TSA requires you to run your laptop through separately from its bag, it should have been even easier for screeners to notice the gun in the laptop bag.
“There’s nothing else in there. How can you miss it?” asks the passenger. “You cannot miss it.”
The passenger noticed the gun when he arrived at his destination and reported the incident to authorities. The TSA investigated and provided “remedial instruction” for the screeners involved.
Sorry, but if you have to re-teach a TSA screener what a gun looks like, maybe you should reconsider your hiring practices.
ABC News provides one final look behind the curtains of Security Theater:
A person briefed on the latest tests tells ABC News the failure rate approaches 70 percent at some major airports. Two weeks ago, TSA’s new director said every test gun, bomb part or knife got past screeners at some airports.
Man boards plane at IAH with loaded gun in carry-on [ABC]
Thanks to Jared for the tip!
Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.