TSA Announces New Security Measures for Airport Workers

BY PHILLIP LUCAS
Associated Press

ATLANTA — Federal officials say the Transportation Security Administration is implementing additional security measures for airport and airline employees nationwide.

The announcement from the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday came weeks after five people were arrested in a gun-smuggling operation involving passenger jets traveling between Atlanta and New York City. One of those arrested was a Delta baggage handler and ramp agent who worked at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson visited the airport on Thursday to review U.S. Customs and Border Protection and TSA operations.

Officials say new measures could include enhanced airline-employee screenings, random security checks and additional security patrols in secure areas. DHS spokesman Todd Breasseale said he didn’t have details about which measures were to be implemented first or when.