Assaults on TSA workers have spiked 500% since the shutdown began — and airports are pleading with passengers to be patient
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- TSA agents have experienced a 500% increase in assaults since the shutdown began.
- The agency's boss also told Congress the shutdown has led to the highest wait times in TSA history.
- Houston Airport's director of aviation told travelers, "Make sure you pack your patience" and "be kind."
Transportation Security Administration officers have faced a surge in violence while working without pay during the partial government shutdown.
"We have seen an over 500% increase in the frequency of assaults on our officers since the shutdown began," Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told Congress on Wednesday.
"This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," she added. "We are pursuing all legal avenues to prosecute these incidents."
Nguyen McNeill did not specify how many assaults have taken place against TSA agents since the shutdown began.
TSA agents haven't been paid since February 14, and more of them are calling out of work. At some major airports, up to 50% of staff have called out, Nguyen McNeill said.
"This has led to the highest wait times in TSA history, with some wait times greater than four and a half hours," she added.
Plus, the administrator said, some 480 TSA officers have quit their jobs.
She raised concerns about staffing levels ahead of this summer's FIFA World Cup, noting that it takes 4 to 6 months to train a TSA agent.
As wait times run into the hours, some airports and officials have pleaded with passengers for patience.
Houston has seen some of the longest wait times during the shutdown.
On Thursday, George Bush Intercontinental Airport shared a video with advice from Jim Szczesniak, Houston Airport's director of aviation.
"Number one, make sure you pack your patience," he said. "Be kind to our TSA officers."
He also recommended passengers download their airline's app and try to minimize the amount of hand baggage they bring.
"We really appreciate your patience during these trying times, and we would really ask that you, again, express your kindness to the TSA officers that are working here," Szczesniak said.
"It's been 40 days since they've been paid. This is a very difficult situation that they're in right now."
LAX, which has seen minimal disruption compared to many airports, called for support for its staff members.
"If there's one thing about Angelenos, we show up for our people. We are so grateful to our TSOs at LAX who continue to show up to work to ensure our guests can travel safely and that operations continue smoothly. Now, it's our turn to thank and support them," an X post read.
Jackson Airport in Mississippi posted a similar message, telling passengers to "Arrive early. Be patient. Say thank you. Together, we keep travel moving safely."
The end may be in sight
Early Friday morning, the Senate approved a deal to fund the TSA and many other Homeland Security agencies. The House looks set to consider it on Friday.
And in a Thursday Truth Social post, President Donald Trump said he would sign an order telling the Secretary of Homeland Security "to immediately pay our TSA Agents."