Originally Posted by
cbn42
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?
Beacuse the random guy isn't responsible for the safety and security of anyone except himself. He isn't going to use his weapon on somebody because they are arguing with him. He doesn't have to safeguard his firearm whilst he checks through somebody's belongings.
Frankly the only thing more alarming than the TSA being openly armed (and trained appropriately) is the idea of TSOs carrying whatever weapons they can fit in a holster - and carrying them concealed into the secure area.