Long Airport Lines Cited For Hoggan's Removal

The head of security for TSA has been removed from his job in part because of long security lines at airports, according to a report from Fox News.

Kelly Hoggan was let go Monday, part of a broader shakeup of the agency in light of sometimes hours-long waits at airports to clear security. TSA administrator Peter Neffenger announced that Darby LaJoye, who has led security operations at both JFK and LAX, would be replacing Hoggan immediately. An email announcing the appointment was obtained by Fox News.

But the security lines weren't Hoggan's only issue. Earlier this month, at a hearing held by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, members expressed outrage over a $90,000 bonus paid to Hoggan even after reports of systemic problems with security at airports came to light.

Wait times have extended to as much as three hours at some airports, due in part to an increase in air travel and a lack of trained screeners at airports. In an attempt to address those issues, TSA and DHS have announced the establishment of a "national command center" at TSA headquarters in Washington, DC, which will "closely track daily screening operations, shifting officers, canine resources, the National Deployment Force and other resources to meet mission demands in advance of predicted passenger volume," according to Neffenger.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.tsa.gov