On Wednesday, news broke of an incident that occurred at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport on Feb. 9. On that day, Nathan and Annie Forck, along with their three children, were heading to Disney World in Orlando for a family vacation. Lucy, their three-year-old, has spina bifida and has to use a wheelchair. The family proceeded through a TSA checkpoint without incident, but a TSA agent stopped Lucy for additional screening measures as the Forck family prepared to walk to their gate.
During the additional screening measures, Lucy was subjected to a pat down, and her wheelchair was swabbed. Mrs. Forck began recording the incident on her smartphone, which the TSA agent told her is illegal. (It is not illegal.) Mrs. Forck responded, "You can't touch my daughter unless I can record it," and later added, "The problem is, I don't allow anyone to touch my little daughter." Agents also confiscated Lucy's stuffed animal, causing her to cry uncontrollably. After 30 grueling minutes, Lucy and her family were finally released.
Mr. Forck, who works as an attorney, told Fox News Radio, "If the same instance had occurred outside the setting of an airport, it would be illegal. But you put a TSA badge on and now all of a sudden, it's okay."
A TSA spokesman later said, "TSA regrets inaccurate guidance was provided to this family during screening and offers its apology." Is a simple apology nearly enough for such a travesty? I report, you decide.
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