The Transportation Security Administration is considering implementing additional security measures for airport and airline employees, including enhanced airline-employee screenings, random security checks and additional TSA and law enforcement patrols in secure areas, said federal officials in a statement Thursday.
The announcement came from the Department of Homeland Security weeks after five people were arrested in a gun-smuggling operation involving passenger jets traveling between Atlanta and New York City, The Seattle Times reports. One of those arrested was a Delta baggage handler and ramp agent at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Following the arrest, the Atlanta airport has increased random inspections and its police presence, said airport spokesman Reese McCranie. He added in the statement that airport officials are working with federal authorities “on a daily basis to enhance our security posture, and we plan to announce further changes soon.”