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US airline passenger detained for criticism of TSA
A Wisconsin air traveler who scrawled an insulting message to the director of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has become an internet celebrity among bloggers and others critical of US security efforts.
Businessman Ryan Bird wrote “Kip Hawley is an idiot” on a plastic bag he carried through a security line to board a plane in Milwaukee. The reference was to the director of the TSA.
Sheriff’s deputies detained Mr Bird for almost a half hour after he tried to go through security with his message.
“Way too many of the TSA rules are knee-jerk reactions to non-credible threats,” he told the Associated Press. “Bottled water was never a threat, toothpaste was never a threat.”
Supporters on the internet also complained about airport security.
New US rules allow passengers to carry toiletries in containers of three ounces or less if they’re in a zip-top bag no bigger than a quart.
Is it a crime to write critical notes on the bags?
A TSA spokeswoman said Mr Bird is free to express his opinion and there is no ban on writing on the plastic bags. She said Mr Bird was only detained by law enforcement officers to determine whether he had broken any laws.
Report by David Wilkening
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