PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Tuesday morning, a 19-year-old woman identified as Makiah Coleman, allegedly attacked Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers while going through security at Checkpoint D in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Three TSA officers sustained injuries, and the checkpoint was temporarily closed.
Phoenix Police were called to the airport, and Coleman was taken into custody. Two of the TSA officers involved in the attack were sent to the hospital for their injuries but were later released.
The TSA released the following statement:
This unprovoked and brazen physical attack against our employees is unacceptable. We are grateful for our committed workforce and for the role they play in protecting the traveling public every day. Unfortunately, this situation not only resulted in three of our TSA officers being injured but inconvenienced approximately 450 travelers who had to be redirected to a nearby checkpoint for security screening due to the actions of this traveler.
We continue to monitor the recoveries of the employees involved in this incident and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. TSA will also pursue independent enforcement actions against the traveler.
A motive for the attack is unknown and the incident remains under investigation.
The TSA warned that any act of violence, verbal abuse, or threat against its employees could lead to criminal charges and fines up to $13,910.
