Note: I kept this thread separate to focus on this specific question, and not the wider issue of the LAX incident which is already in the other thread.

In light of that LAX incident, one question has been raised, should TSA agents be armed? It would give them a chance of self-defense in situations like this. And they would'nt be so helpless and be able to defend themselves and others. However, would having a gun make that much of a difference in situations like this? In addition, would being armed make those power tripping TSA a.......s even more unpleasant than they already are? Yes, they aren't there to be your friend, but a modicum of respect for the passenger would'nt hurt either. ..