TSA says changes are in place after Oklahoman arrested on ammunition charge in Turks and Caicos
A TSA spokesperson told KOCO 5 that a review was completed and changes have been implemented in the Oklahoma City airport
A TSA spokesperson told KOCO 5 that a review was completed and changes have been implemented in the Oklahoma City airport
A TSA spokesperson told KOCO 5 that a review was completed and changes have been implemented in the Oklahoma City airport
Authorities confirmed that changes had been made at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City after ammunition passed through in luggage, leading to a man's arrest in Turks and Caicos.
Sen. James Lankford raised questions earlier this week about the TSA's screening process after Edmond man Ryan Watson and other Americans were arrested on ammunition charges in the island chain.
A TSA spokesperson told KOCO 5 that a review was completed and changes have been implemented in the Oklahoma City airport. The review was done at Will Rogers World Airport after Watson went through security with ammunition in his carry-on and it wasn't flagged.
She said the changes start with more training for officers.
"There was a review that was done. Steps were taken, but every person is awarded privacy in this situation," Paty Mancha, a media spokesman for the TSA in Oklahoma, said.
While the TSA couldn't specify what those changes were, Mancha said officers have additional training when something goes wrong.
"Whether that person be put on administrative leave, whether that person see termination if the severity of the situation requires it," Mancha said.
The review at Will Rogers World Airport was one of several concerns Lankford took to TSA officials on Monday in a letter. The Oklahoma senator also asked when the TSA last assessed its screening process.
A spokesperson told KOCO 5 that the TSA can't comment on congressional correspondence, but they work every day to ensure people are safe in the air.
"That's no joke to us. Security is real. We assess, we use technology, and that's what I can tell you that it's an everyday process for us," Mancha said.
Lankford also had other questions in his letter like if there are reviews at other airports and what is the TSA's plan to ensure it can carry out its security mission. He said he expects a response no later than July 10.