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TSA Inspector Makes It Through Pat-Down With Fake Bomb In His Pants


By

John Del Signore

Published Mar 8, 2013

Modified Mar 8, 2013


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By

John Del Signore

Published Mar 8, 2013

Modified Mar 8, 2013


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A TSA inspector who stuffed a fake bomb down his pants was able to get past security at Newark airport last month, passing through the magnetometer and a pat-down without being detained. The TSA has not commented on the failed inspection, saying only, "The TSA regularly conducts tests and does not publicly share details." But a source tells the Post, "This episode once again demonstrates how Newark Airport is the Ground Zero of TSA failures."

The lapse occurred in Terminal B, home of American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta. Sources say the inspector passed through the magnetometer undetected with a fake IED in his pants, but for reasons that remain unclear, he was pulled aside for a pat-down. But that raised no red flags, and he was then allowed to proceed to his gate. Another TSA inspector was stopped for a fake bomb in a doll, but the Post's source says it had "wires sticking out” and was obviously suspicious.

52 baggage and traveler screeners were fired from Newark airport last year for security lapses and thefts. And who could forget the "Airport Romeo" who strolled past security into a secure area so he could kiss his girlfriend goodbye? But to be fair, not everything slips past Newark airport security:

Tagged

newark liberty airport

security theater

tsa

tsa follies


John Del Signore

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Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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