Assaults on Transportation Security Administration officers have increased by over 500% since the partial US government shutdown began, the agency's acting administrator told Congress. TSA agents, who have not been paid since 14 February, are facing unprecedented hostility while staffing shortages cause the longest security wait times in the agency's history.
Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill delivered the stark warning to lawmakers on Wednesday, stating the surge in violence was "unacceptable and will not be tolerated." She confirmed the agency is pursuing all legal avenues to prosecute these incidents, though did not specify the exact number of assaults.
Staffing Crisis and Record Delays
The financial strain has led to a staffing crisis, with up to 50% of staff calling out sick at some major airports and approximately 480 TSA officers quitting their jobs entirely. Nguyen McNeill linked this directly to "the highest wait times in TSA history," with some passengers facing queues exceeding four and a half hours.
She expressed particular concern about being able to recruit and train enough staff ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a process she noted takes four to six months per agent.
Airports Appeal for Calm and Kindness
In response to the escalating delays, airport officials across the country have publicly appealed for passenger understanding and civility. Jim Szczesniak, Houston Airport's director of aviation, released a video from George Bush Intercontinental Airport urging travellers to "pack your patience" and "be kind to our TSA officers."
"It's been 40 days since they've been paid. This is a very difficult situation that they're in right now," Szczesniak stated, also advising passengers to minimise hand luggage and use airline apps.
Similar messages were posted by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)—which has seen minimal disruption—and Jackson Airport in Mississippi, which asked the public to "Arrive early. Be patient. Say thank you."
Political Movement Towards Resolution
Early on Friday, the US Senate approved a deal to fund the TSA and other Homeland Security agencies, with the House of Representatives expected to consider it later the same day. In a separate development on Thursday, former President Donald Trump said on Truth Social he would sign an order directing the Secretary of Homeland Security "to immediately pay our TSA Agents."
The situation highlights the severe operational and human consequences of the ongoing budget impasse in Washington, placing frontline airport security staff at the centre of a political and public safety crisis.