The TSA has proposed having additional armed police at airport security checkpoints after an in-depth assessment of security measures following the death of a TSA officer who was shot and killed in November.
Since the death of TSA Officer Gerardo I. Hernandez, and the injuries of three others during the shooting, the TSA has enhanced security for its employees nationwide, a release from the administration said.
Urgent: Do You Approve Or Disapprove of President Obama's Job Performance? Vote Now in Urgent Poll
“Following the incident at LAX last year, which shocked and saddened us all, I ordered a comprehensive review of policies and procedures at LAX and airports across the country,” said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole in the release. “The report released today outlines the actions TSA took immediately following the shooting and new procedures to enhance the safety and security of TSA employees nationwide, especially those who work on the frontlines each and every day to protect the traveling public.”
The 26-page report recommended, along with an armed presence at checkpoints during busy times, that training be enhanced with mandatory active shooter training and exercises and bi-annual training for airport operators.
According to USA Today, Pistole told TSA employees that some of the actions to make their workplace safer had already been taken.
The newspaper spoke with Police Chief Yousry Zakhary in Woodway, Texas, who worked with TSA to develop the report. He said that putting law enforcement at checkpoints would depend on funding at the local level.
"I think in a perfect world if we had all the money and resources that would be great, but unfortunately these are going to have to be done on a calculated risk based on peak times and funding that is available," Zakhary told USA Today. "I don't think there's an agency that can afford to put police at every checkpoint. You might see roving patrols."
Editor's Note: Do You Support Obamacare? Vote in Urgent National Poll
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.