TSA Announces Leadership Changes for Newark Airport Security

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today issued a statement in response to news that the TSA will make management changes at Newark Liberty International Airport and in the region.  Following a spate of security breakdowns at Newark Liberty Airport this year, Lautenberg has pressured the TSA and Department of Homeland Security to act urgently to address the airport’s security concerns.  

“There are serious security concerns at Newark Liberty Airport that must be better addressed.  I look forward to meeting with the new leadership team to express my concerns and urge them to immediately get to work fixing security problems at Newark Airport and regaining the confidence of the flying public.”          

 TSA today announced that effective tomorrow, Donald Drummer will be the new Federal Security Director (FSD) for Newark Liberty International Airport, and William Hall will be the Acting Area Director for the region. 

With at least seven significant security breaches at Newark-Liberty since the beginning of the year and a new internal report by TSA managers reportedly showing significant shortcomings, Lautenberg last week called for TSA Administrator John Pistole to personally address the ongoing security concerns. 

On February 24^th Lautenberg called for the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General to launch an investigation into security concerns at the airport.  In response to Lautenberg’s letter, DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner launched an investigation into security concerns at Newark Liberty airport and assured Lautenberg that “we will be reallocating resources from other projects to take a more in-depth look at Newark Liberty Airport’s security profile and review the allegations put forth in your correspondence.”

Lautenberg, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security recently introduced legislation to increase the use of security cameras at airport screening checkpoints and exits, and increase penalties for intentionally breaching security following a major security breach at the airport in 2010.