INDUSTRY FOCUS

Ready Set Tackle

Being a TSA agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport doesn’t mean you have to understand the game of football or does it?

On June 18, Tyrese Garner, 19, showed up at Sky Harbor apparently in a bigger hurry than any other passenger to board a flight to—well, by his actions he was going straight to jail. It seems he was in such a hurry to get through the security checkpoint that he rushed several TSA agents, wounding five of them. One agent was seriously injured enough that the person was taken to a local hospital.

Garner pushed through a security checkpoint, and what is generally an orderly procedure, turned to chaos.

“At approximately 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, multiple TSA officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were attacked by a male individual who attempted to rush through the security checkpoint in Terminal 4. TSOs and officers with the Phoenix Police Department who are assigned to the airport immediately intervened and subdued the individual who was subsequently arrested,” said TSA officials in a press release. “The unprovoked and brazen physical attack against our TSOs is unacceptable. We are grateful for a committed workforce and for the role they play in protecting the traveling public every day. We continue to monitor the safety and health of the TSOs involved in this incident and will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”

In the video of the attack, he appeared as a football running back; three yards and a cloud of dust. Garner pushed past other passengers waiting in line. He charged through a metal detector into the secure area and punched a female TSA screener, knocking her to the ground. Garner then punched four other TSA screeners as he tried to charge into the concourse.

Several TSA staff finally took Garner to the ground and held him until police arrived.

According to the official report, Garner of Lubbock, Texas, may have some mental health issues. I think that goes without saying. Officers had to take the man to the ground again where they held him until fire department staff arrived and strapped him to a gurney.

After viewing the video, I have to applaud TSA screeners and staff for taking this man down, and acting in a professional manner. Garner was booked on suspicion of criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and five counts of assault.

First of all, the airport security line is no place to practice football. TSA staff do take their jobs seriously, and thank goodness for that. Well done, TSA defense.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2019 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies: Uniting Human Risk Management and Security Awareness Training

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

  • Report: 1 in 3 Easily Exploitable Vulnerabilities Found on Cloud Assets

    CyCognito recently released new research highlighting critical security vulnerabilities across cloud-hosted assets, revealing that one in three easily exploitable vulnerabilities or misconfigurations are found on cloud assets. As organizations increasingly shift to multi-cloud strategies, the findings underscore significant security gaps that could provide attackers with potential footholds into networks. Read Now

  • Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

    Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency. While many organizations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, let us review some of the long-term considerations that can significantly impact a VMS's utility and flexibility. Read Now

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.