TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
The TSA is sure to nail you if you're attempting to board a plane with a feminine hygiene product stowed in your underpants, but that fully loaded .40 caliber gun? Just send it on through the scanner and proceed to your gate.
Houston businessman Farid Seif says it was a startling discovery. He didn't intend to bring a loaded gun on a flight out of Houston and can't understand how TSA screeners didn't catch it.
Nearing the height of last year's Christmas travel season, TSA screeners at Bush Intercontinental Airport somehow missed a loaded pistol, one that was tucked away inside a carry-on computer bag.
"I mean, this is not a small gun," Seif said. "It's a .40 caliber gun."
Seif says it was an accident which he didn't realize until he arrived at his destination. He says he carries the glock for protection but forgot to remove it from his bag. He reported the incident as soon as he landed, shocked at the security lapse.
"There's nothing else in there. How can you miss it? You cannot miss it," Seif said.
In their attempt at damage control, authorities said this kind of thing happens all the time (and you've never heard of anyone firing a gun on a plane, so there's really nothing to worry about, see?).
Authorities tell ABC News the incident is not uncommon, but how often it occurs is a closely guarded government secret. Experts say every year since the September 11 attacks, federal agencies have conducted random, covert tests of airport security.
A person briefed on the latest tests tells ABC News the failure rate approaches 70 percent at some major airports. Two weeks ago, TSA's new director said every test gun, bomb part or knife got past screeners at some airports.
Happy travels.
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Comments :
Jul '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
What sort of buffoon forgets that he's packing a Glock? And then brays about it to the press?
I'm a staunch Second Amendment guy, but Farid Seif is too damn dumb to own a firearm.
Edited on Dec 20, 2010 at 11:02amJun '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Iranian-American businessman Farid Seif passed through security at a Houston airport and boarded an international flight. ...
Was this TSA's attempt to prove that there is absolutely no profiling based on middle-eastern name or appearance?
Edited on Dec 20, 2010 at 11:14amDec '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
If my name were Farid Seif, I would absolutely report this security lapse as soon as I landed. I wouldn't want to expose myself to the possibility, however remote, that the authorities in fact knew about my firearm and were interested in tracking me to see if I was part of some larger plot.
Jun '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Diane: "A person briefed on the latest tests tells ABC News the failure rate approaches 70 percent at some major airports. Two weeks ago, TSA's new director said every test gun, bomb part or knife got past screeners at some airports."
These people can't get into a union fast enough, that's the level of performance of big-city teachers
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Stuart Creque: If my name were Farid Seif...
While the fellow's name is certainly a conspicuous part of the story, what I found most noteworthy was the "authorities'" response. This isn't an uncommon incident? Even if that's so, why would you admit as much? And to make matters worse, the TSA director owned up to the TSA's 100% failure rate at some airports? That's abominable.
Jul '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
And yet we all whistle past the graveyard, put a fake smile on our faces, and continue to go along with this like it's doing anything to protect us.
Dec '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Diane Ellis, Ed.
While the fellow's name is certainly a conspicuous part of the story, what I found most noteworthy was the "authorities'" response. This isn't an uncommon incident? Even if that's so, why would you admit as much? And to make matters worse, the TSA director owned up to the TSA's 100% failure rate at some airports? That's abominable. · Dec 20 at 11:28am
We've also recently seen Adam Savage of the Mythbusters pass through TSA screening with 12" blades on his person.
This isn't security kabuki -- it's security noh.
Nov '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Meanwhile, the humiliating body screening and intrusive pat-downs continue — for no good, useful reason, obviously.
Oct '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Perhaps the Left takes heart in the fact that we Americans are, indeed, a pack of sheep needing shepherding. Having been emasculated as voters by the political establishment, we are left with nothing more than taking the passive-aggressive approach to government. For appearances sake we will do what you tell us to... and get even in other ways when you aren't looking. But then, if I were taking that approach, I would not describe the implementation process. Would you???
Sep '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Iranian-American businessman Farid Seif passed through security at a Houston airport and boarded an international flight.
Thank goodness we're breaking down the cliche that Middle Easterners work in the oil industry.
May '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
TSA agent to Mr. Seif as he walks through the x-ray scanner: "Is that a gun in your pocket or you just happy to see me?"
Dec '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
Perhaps the TSA ought to worry about getting the basics right, before they insist on the humiliating stuff.
Jul '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
The funny thing is that Mr. Seif did more by accident to protect that plane than Janet Napolitano did on purpose.
May '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
This wouldn't happen in Japan. It's an IQ thing. TSA wouldn't understand.
Jun '10
Re: TSA Epic Fail: Man Brings Gun on Plane
During the halcyon days of airline hijacking to Cuba passengers knew the drill. Everyone stay calm and quiet and the result will be a brief detour before landing in Miami. That all changed after 9/11. Passengers today will take matters into their own hands as soon as they recognize the danger. Richard Reid comes to mind as does Mutallab what's-his-name. In addition, every flight has its passenger vigilantes. We're the ones doing the pre-screening before anyone in line even makes it to the TSA. If someone in the boarding line looks dodgy, we're the ones scrutinizing him for signs of danger. I've noticed others doing this as well, usually uniformed military personnel in transit. The next step is to detect and lock eyes with another vigilante, and then glance furtively at the suspect. Usually you'll get a subtle body signal indicating understanding. No further action needs to be taken. You'll have an ally if things suddenly get stupid. Probably they won't, but it's a good idea to be prepared.