Statement To The Public By Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration
News & Happenings
August 10, 2006
My thanks to you, the flying public, for your cooperation in helping us respond quickly and effectively to the aviation security threat uncovered by United Kingdom authorities.
The situation demanded swift action by the Department of Homeland Security, TSA, and our airport, airline and law enforcement partners at every level. Overnight, security screening procedures were changed – with a ban on liquids and gels at checkpoints and aboard flights and security measures consistent with an Orange, or high, terrorist threat level.
"The safety of the traveling public remains our constant mission."Because we rolled this change out in only four hours we have seen delays today at airports. Some inconvenience is to be expected and we appreciate your patience. Thanks to your cooperation, and the can-do professionalism of our transportation security officers, we have minimized potentially crippling delays. We anticipate steady improvements in wait times in the coming days.
We cannot say how long these measures will remain in place but we will not be pressured to change them. The safety of the traveling public remains our constant mission. Caution
still demands heightened vigilance. You can help facilitate the screening process by limiting carry-ons, packing light and minimizing clutter in bags. Given your initial response, I am confident of – and grateful for – your support.
As for TSA, I have full confidence that the men and women on the front-line checkpoints have the ability to address this threat. I am equally confident of the abilities of the federal air marshals, canine teams, air security inspectors and countless others who make up our security network.
TSA was created to step up at times like this. We will remain flexible in our efforts to keep terrorists off balance. We will constantly evaluate evolving threats and our response. And we will be unwavering in our commitment to your security.
