Los Angeles, CA—I’ve never been fond of the FAA or the TSA because of the inept and horrifically wasteful way they deal with airline security.
The searching of passengers without probable cause or a search warrant is a direct violation of the Fourth Amendment to our Constitution. The system they put in place is un-American but accepted by the sheep, but that does not make it right.
The TSA was nothing more than a jobs program that was established through the exploitation of fear in America.
The TSA has been ineffective, intrusive, rude, unnecessary, expensive and illegal. That being said today I wanted to capture some footage of the TSA in action for this blog and did so without incident.
After I got the video I wanted, I left the terminal and saw LAX police making a routine arrest. I started taping and then a large Black woman wearing a TSA worker’s uniform began to order me around and when I rebuffed her commands she began shoving me with her hands and aggressively pursuing me. That finally ended when the police that were on scene intervened.
I have no interest in seeing this federal employee who acted stupidly arrested for assault. I have avoided identifying this woman as the face time she will get may be adequate punishment.
Had this been a white TSA employee and a black victim this would have resulted in a Whitehouse “Beer Summit” with the President Barack Obama. I have no illusions that the Whitehouse will have any concerns about this incident at all.
I want the TSA to train their help to deal with terror issues and not insult or assault Americans at our airports. Using terrorism on Americans is no help.
Warning! I used some strong language as the situation escalated. I had an absolute right to threaten or even use violence to stop her assault. Thankfully because of this video nobody must guess what happened or rely on “witnesses” with agendas.
Information about the law and TSA regulations are posted below the video.
In case anyone was wondering what the law and TSA regulation are about photography at California’s airports…
California has no laws prohibiting photography at airports. Permits are required for commercial film projects. News gathering photography is also protected by the First Amendment.
TSA Regulations RE: Photography.
2.7. PHOTOGRAPHING, VIDEOTAPING, AND FILMING SCREENING LOCATIONS
A. TSA does not prohibit the public, passengers, or press from photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations unless the activity interferes with a TSO’s ability to perform his or her duties or prevents the orderly flow of individuals through the screening location. Requests by commercial entities to photograph an airport screening location must be forwarded to TSA’s Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs. Photographing EDS or ETD monitor screens or emitted images is not permitted.
B. TSA must not confiscate or destroy the photographic equipment or film of any person photographing the screening location.
C. Whenever possible, x-ray machine images must not be visible to the public or press. When physical constraints prevent x-ray images from being fully protected from public viewing, TSOs must ensure no member of the public or press is in a position to observe an x-ray monitor for an extended period of time.
Passengers and other unauthorized individuals must not be allowed to view EDS or ETD monitors and screens.
D. In addition to this policy, local laws, State statutes, or local ordinances may prohibit photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations. TSA management must ensure that TSOs are familiar with these State or local laws. However, State and local authorities must enforce such laws. TSOs must alert an LEO to individuals who may be violating these State or local laws, but must not confront these individuals.
Comments
She does not belong on the taxpayers payroll. She must think she on a jehad!
Do you think that maybe she was trying to be a friend to LA officers? Please be honest in your answer.
Dumbasses!
From now on I go thru security with my iPhone set on audio record.
My friend and colleague Paul Huebl videos his run in with a TSA Agent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeS2KT2JbOk
This LAX police arrest was a very routine and the officers were treating their prisoner with obvious dignity and respect.
The ignorant TSA worker on the other hand was caught in the act of what may still cost this woman a trip to the unemployment line.
I’m sympathetic for the concerns you described but as a news blogger I feel a duty to bring as much video as I can to my loyal visitors most of which are themselves cops.
In closing the most damaging camera is the one you’re not aware of. I could not stand being a cop in the new video and data surveillance society we created.
January 01, 2010 8:41 AM
If you were the police you would be thinking: Please don't be "my friend" and commit a crime on someone who is filming me. It makes me look bad, too. If you had any brains you would know that.
The last thing I need is some arrogant racist bitch to be my friend. Look at the PO's involved and you will see why this cunt was though she could intervene.
Your idea of liberty is to carry guns to control or kill blacks or those who wish to protect them.
You should be imprisoned for disloyalty to our president as well as that threat to throw the TSA Security Officer down the stairs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRG6ahCs_t0
1st. There are SOME decent & good TSA employees, BUT there are many that are just shy of being in prison. this one obviously overstepped her 'so called' authority.
2nd., I do NOT like it when I am on a street stop and a citizen produces a camera. My 1st impression is that they are some Liberal do-gooder and will attempt to provoke a negative response from the street stop. You know how editing can slant a story.
3rd. You did NOT follow -up on your accusation of assault charges and prefered to let it go. This happens quite often. Some LIBERAL calling the Police for a crime. When the police arrive, THEY complain, 'what took so long', Then, will not file a complaint. (then why bother calling us. Is it to much of an inconvenience for you/them to go to court. I will show up to your call for help- but do the right thing when I/we come.
Allways:
I/F
My blog is legitimate media and no cop has to fear me placing him or her in a a bad light. Cameras are everywhere and have saved more cops from false allegations than making cases against cops.
The routine and very peaceful arrest by LAX police I was covering was newsworthy and relevant to this police related blog. I won’t apologize for getting video of good cops keeping the community safe.
As for the TSA worker she got the face time she wanted by assaulting me by pushing me and trying to grab my camera.
All cops need to realize that they are always on camera. I have tiny cameras that are not visible as such and the do-gooder troublemakers have them too.
A camera is like a gun, good or bad depending on who has it.
As for the follow up on the assault, this event was an on-view matter for the police. They were not called.
Since I did not ask for the response that came I feel no obligation to sign complaints.
There was no injury or property damage. I have been manhandled by people far more proficient than this woman both as a cop and private eye.
The assault against me was cleared exceptionally as a result. I think a lesson was learned.
This video would be great training material both for airport cops and TSA workers. The incident also provided an interesting story for my blog.
You should have signed a battery complaint on that stupid woman and followed up in court.
The TSA needs to use that video to train their workers about what they should NOT be doing.
I have enjoyed reading you blog and watching the videos you post since I found it two years ago. Please keep up the good work.
If they try manhandling me they are in for some serious injury. I’d have given the racist Nazi bitch a chop to the throat with the edge of my hand.
The TSA is hated and she is exactly what's wrong about that outfit.
Here is your higher authority!
California has no laws prohibiting photography at airports. Permits are required for commercial film projects. News gathering photography is also protected by the First Amendment.
TSA Regulations RE: Photography.
2.7. PHOTOGRAPHING, VIDEOTAPING, AND FILMING SCREENING LOCATIONS
A. TSA does not prohibit the public, passengers, or press from photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations unless the activity interferes with a TSO’s ability to perform his or her duties or prevents the orderly flow of individuals through the screening location. Requests by commercial entities to photograph an airport screening location must be forwarded to TSA’s Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs. Photographing EDS or ETD monitor screens or emitted images is not permitted.
B. TSA must not confiscate or destroy the photographic equipment or film of any person photographing the screening location.
C. Whenever possible, x-ray machine images must not be visible to the public or press. When physical constraints prevent x-ray images from being fully protected from public viewing, TSOs must ensure no member of the public or press is in a position to observe an x-ray monitor for an extended period of time.
Passengers and other unauthorized individuals must not be allowed to view EDS or ETD monitors and screens.
D. In addition to this policy, local laws, State statutes, or local ordinances may prohibit photographing, videotaping, or filming screening locations. TSA management must ensure that TSOs are familiar with these State or local laws. However, State and local authorities must enforce such laws. TSOs must alert an LEO to individuals who may be violating these State or local laws, but must not confront these individuals.
Your idea of consent is like accepting that government job requires you to get naked and put out to a donkey. The second choice is that you and your children starve. You'd call that consent.
Next you will tell me that you could be forced to consent to a search before you leave your house. Mr. Sheep please tell me where the line is drawn in the sand as to where your rights begin or end.
If you wish to live in a Nazi like police state there is always North Korea. Surrender your rights any time you wish, coward but don’t you dare surrender mine or you may get hurt.
I put this response in as polite of terms I could think of and if you’re offended, I’m delighted