Just days after calls for more scrutiny of aviation staff following the discovery of a gun running ring at Atlanta Airport, a Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector was arrested for carrying a firearm in his carry-on bag.
The FAA employee had used his staff ID badge to bypass TSA security screening when departing from Atlanta but was stopped on his return journey at New York JFK.
Last month a major gun smuggling operation was discovered based at Atlanta involving a baggage handler who was authorized to bypass public security screening at the airport.
Responding to the arrest, FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta swiftly suspended the program allowing safety inspectors to bypass TSA screening checkpoints while carrying out normal duties.
"The FAA will stand down the program while it conducts improved training for all of its inspectors," the FAA said.
"The agency also will require inspectors to sign a new agreement that details each inspector’s responsibility under the program and clearly states that any infraction related to a weapon will result in an immediate and permanent suspension of privileges and possible further disciplinary action."
The FAA inspector did not have the same privileges at New York JFK, so was required to go through a regular TSA screening checkpoint where the firearm was discovered.
