On April 18th, 2015 I had the misfortune of flying out of Ft Lauderdale Airport. I was already TSA pre-screened and have NEVER had any problems going through security. I proceeded as directed to the line for pre-screened passengers. I put my bags on the conveyor and closed the latch on top of one so when the agents knocked it over the things inside would not fall out. I then went on to walk through the metal delector. The rude and obnoxious TSA agent then halted me loudly and said I had my ticket upside down. I said oh I am sorry and turned it correctly when he then yelled at me to step aside immediately, I had been chosen for a random check. I stepped aside and asked him what he meant, I was confused. This guy was on a definite power trip. He yelled at me again, then yelled at the other passengers trying to come through his detector, HALT, DO NOT PROCEED – it was crazy and he had a crazy look in his eyes, almost like he was going to hit me. I was frightened. Then he tells me again to step over there – pointing to an area I was supposed to stand in while he continued to let people through. I told him my bags were on that conveyor and I was NOT leaving them unattended – my valuables and money were in them. He said you can watch them from there, step aside maam, STEP ASIDE _ NOW. This guy was really acting unpredictable and crazed. I did as told and never uttered another word. After a few mnutes he yanked my bags from the conveyor, the girl behind told him they were clean and I was OK. He then proceeded behind another counter, told me to turn face him and hold my hands out palms up. He proceeded now to tell me he was going to swab my hands for toxic chemicals and materials. I never talked again to him, I was afraid he might hit me or worse haul me off somewhere. This guy was CRAZY. I am very upset and feel violated by this horrible creature and feel the TSA folks are out of control, power tripping police wannabes who better get control of themselves. The public should be terrified of these people, they have little education, no training and are given guns to actually shoot people. They have no idea of proper decorum and know they can get away with whatever they do. Ft Lauderdale is an awful airport and I will NEVER use it again. To the TSA agent who pulled me aside I cetainly hope your superiors get word of what you are doing and how you are treating innocent retired people.
By: Debra
Debra, TSA employees are not sworn Law Enforcement, and are not allowed to carry firearms while on duty, nor make arrests. Typically, there will be a sheriff’s deputy or municipal officer near the gate to actually make an arrest if somebody goes out of line, but they have actual training and know how to not go off on a power trip. If you are sure you observed TSA employees carrying firearms, I would immediately contact your representative in Congress, as that is very illegal for them to do.
Aramaki,
Going off on a power trip is part of the actual mall cop training below the Mason Dixon line.
Put down the textbooks, and observe the world as it is, not what you read about.
This is a horrible experience someone should do something about this and let not abuse of power hurt innocent ones.
Why didn’t you ask to see a supervisor?