Schumer: In Light Of Disturbing TSA Failure To Detect Explosives & Weapons At Airports Across The Country, Senator Calls For Top-To-Bottom Review Of Employee Training & Equipment Testing By DHS Inspector General; Continuation Of 'Red Team' Tests At All Major Airports

Press Release

Following the recent results of Red Team testing conducted at TSA screening locations airports, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General's office to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) employee training procedures and their effectiveness. Specifically, Schumer is urging Inspector General John Roth to conduct a review of TSA employee training procedures as well as equipment testing procedures to determine how both of those systems can be improved.

Schumer noted that each day, the TSA screens approximately 1.8 million airlines passengers and 1.2 million checked bags. Schumer is also urging the Inspector General to conduct a review of the TSA's efforts to identify new technology that might be more effective in screening for dangerous devices. Lastly, Schumer is urging that the Inspector General continue to conduct Red Team tests at all major and mid-sized airports across the country.

"The fact that agents were able to sneak dangerous items--be it guns or mock explosives through airport security lines is not just a problem, it is a unacceptable vulnerability that needs to be immediately addressed. The Red Team's success at breaching airport security has a lot of people seeing red and we need to get to the bottom of this -- and fast -- because ensuring the safety of the riding public is paramount," said Senator Schumer.

Schumer continued, "When it comes to detecting and closing loopholes in our nation's security system we can leave no stone unturned; now more than ever we must remain constantly vigilant. In light of the recent and highly concerning Red Team testing results, the Inspector General's office should conduct a top-to-bottom review of the TSA's training procedures to identify holes in our airport security process and make recommendations on how to plug them. Red Team testing must continue to be conducted at airports across the country to ensure our passengers, pilots and major cities are safe from evil-doers and terrorists."

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