I don't think the government should provide them with firearms. However, they are in a concealed carry state that allows anyone to carry a gun in public by applying for a permit, then I don't see why TSA staff should not be able to apply for a concealed carry permit and use it in the landside area. For example, at ATL, anyone with a Georgia concealed carry permit can carry a gun in the terminal up until the checkpoint. If a random guy who came to drop off his friend can carry a gun, why can't a TSO?