By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — As part of an occasional snapshot of what’s happening at U.S. airports, here’s the latest: Authorities found 17 firearms at airport checkpoints the week of Oct 4 to Oct. 10, according to the Transportation Security Administration, which runs the checkpoints. Additionally, seven passengers during that week were arrested for…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration, which protects our airports, will be giving more employees secret clearances so they’ll have more access to intelligence, CNN reports. CNN reports that the number of employees with “secret” clearances will go to 10,000 or one sixth of the agency’s workforce. TSA Administrator John Pistole,…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com It’s bad enough airline customers have to pay to check in luggage. But to have to pay and then have things stolen from the luggage. Well, former Transportation Security Administration supervisor Randy Pepper pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to stealing $20,000 in jewelry and other items from…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — As expected, the FBI’s number two person John Pistole, who now heads up the Transportation Security Administration, is making some changes. The Federal Diary column at the Washington Post reports that Pistole is considering creating a small corps of TSA officers that would have law enforcement status. Currently, screeners…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — As expected, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III tapped Timothy P. Murphy to become the second in command at the FBI. “Tim has consistently shown exceptional leadership and met tough challenges head-on,” Mueller said in a statement issued Thursday. “I have every expectation that he will do the same…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com After 26 years, John S. Pistole is no longer an FBI agent. Pistole , the number two person at the FBI, was sworn in Thursday as the head of the Transportation Security Administration after going through a relatively painless confirmation process. The previous two nominees for the job ran into trouble…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com The FBI’s number two man John Pistole, who was considered a sure bet, was confirmed unanimously by the Senate Friday to head the Transportation Security Administration, The Hill newspaper reported. Pistole, who was highly respected in the FBI, was the third nominee for the post. The two others, ex-FBI agent Erroll…
Chris Battle is a former official at Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and DEA. He is currently managing partner of the Adfero Group Homeland Security Practice, a Washington public relations firm. By Chris Battle Security DeBrief WASHINGTON — Will John Pistole, the FBI deputy director nominated to lead the TSA, go the way of…
