Roger_SEA

http://www.local10.com/news/29456656/detail.html
Noticed as he was going through employee screening to the sterile area.
"According to the police report, Valdes admitted he knew it was illegal to bring a firearm into the airport and that he just "forgot." He also said the gun was not registered and he did not have a concealed weapons permit."

NY-FLA

Well, I'm certainly glad that this doesn't reflect in any way on the thousands of dedicated TSA officers who toil tirelessly every day to ensure the safety of the skies of this here republic.
Does make you think, though, what happens at the airports where employee bags don't get screened? I'm sure that TSA leadership will be along right quick to plug that hole with another layer. Probably a fourth ID check of all pax or something equally effective.

WillCAD

I wonder where this guy heard about the job openings at TSA - pizza box, or gas pump?

I wonder what will happen to the gun? Will it be auctioned off by the TSA?

And I also wonder if TSO Valdez will be fired, or just retrained to leave his unregistered, illegally carried handguns in the car from now on when he comes to work?

Thegweni

Great idea! Maybe they could incorporate further PAX searches for hidden weapons in hair and various cavities. We really need more security theater to immobilize the terrorists out there (with laughter).

FliesWay2Much

Screening Clerk Valdes is following behind some pretty big footsteps. Alvin must be feeling very proud right about now. The torch has been passed...

clrankin

Homeless shelter. That's why he was bringing all his belongings with him to work.

Retrained, no doubt. I'm sure that TSA won't treat him any differently than Mr. Crabtree. (Maybe TSA will even pay for his pizza and other snacks during the retraining.)

Saying that he was carrying an unregistered gun also doesn't mean much, unless FL requires that all firearms be registered. But I can't believe that he didn't break any laws by carrying a concealed weapon through the checkpoint. Where are the local law enforcement agencies to act fairly and impartially toward this person? I certainly hope he isn't getting any more preferential treatment as a result of his french blue costume.

Ari

I love the links at the bottom of the article to previous stories about the TSA. The stories are:

Pretty funny!

boatseller

All the many incidents like this make me wonder if the screener really "forgot" about the firearm or it's actually common practice and the noob manning the scanner hadn't been clued in yet.

Combat Medic

Or the noob didn't get his cut of the money from the criminal to let the gun go.

erictank

Well, I'm *SURE* that TSA will immediately fire Mr. Valdes, assess a 5-figure fine, and press criminal charges against him for bringing (or trying to bring) a firearm into the "sterile" area and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.

Right?

<crickets>

Yeah.


Clrankin, Florida does not require registration of civilian-owned firearms, but does require a permit for concealed-carry (it's shall-issue - you pays your money, I believe you have to take a class as well, and the state does a background check and has a set period to issue your permit or tell you why you were denied). Mr. Valdes committed a minimum of one bonafide CRIME, carrying concealed without a permit, and likely carrying into an airport's so-called "sterile" area is another. Will he be protected by TSA, or will they throw him under the bus in order to try to save face? Personally, given what happened (or, more accurately, *DIDN'T* happen) to Mr. Crabtree, I'm inclined to say that TSA will sweep this under the rug.

mikeef

I saw the headline and just that Alvin Crabtree was a snowbird.

Mike

Flaflyer

Nah, it's Miami. Rolando figured he needs protection. Of course, he only brought a small gun . . . .

There is no "registration" in Florida.

STBCypriot

FL does not require all firearms be registered.

goalie

Just absolute priceless . That's all I have to say

T-the-B

"Is that a snub-nosed pistol in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?"