The Transportation Security Administration detained a woman simply because her attitude bothered the TSA agent. In a video uploaded September 1, and as of this writing has well over a half million views.
The video description is as follows:
This was inside the terminal at the Houston airport. I was not allowed to board a plane (even though I had already been through airport security) because I drank my water instead of letting the TSA “test” it. The TSA agent finally admitted that it wasn’t because they thought I was a security risk-it was because the TSA agent, Louis Godeaux, was mad at me!
I was able to get on the very next flight out of Houston – and even managed an upgrade! (thanks United)
Sorry for crappy phone video-but the audio is what I wanted to post.
I know this is not really news (it seems like the TSA is retaliating all the time against people), but it was a little satisfying to get that statement on video.
ABC reports the following transcript and notes:
Though the audio is garbled, the exchange goes like this:
Woman: Do you think I’m honestly a threat? Do you think that?
TSA agent: No, no, no but with your attitude . . .
Woman: Wait, let me get this straight, this is retaliatory for my attitude? This is not making the airways safer, this is retaliatory.
TSA agent: Pretty much, yes. [Inaudible]
Woman: Is that legal?
TSA agent: Yes it is.
ABC News contacted the TSA which said, “In our initial review, we concluded that this individual was screened in accordance with standard procedures.”
Though TSA has been testing liquid post-security since 2007, the issue made news last week when a video was posted of TSA agents testing passengers’ liquids the airport in Columbus, Ohio.
“The test involves a test strip and a dropper containing a nontoxic solution. In case you’re wondering, our officers don’t place the test strips in your beverages/liquids,” said the TSA’s blog.
Here’s the video:
The United States has more people killed by falling furniture than terrorists. It seems unnecessary to have transportation security with enough authority to irritate normal citizens for absolutely no reason other than a personal problem.
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