Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The Transportation Security Administration did not properly screen 11 people who went through a checkpoint at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey said.
At least three people who went through the TSA checkpoint at JFK's Terminal 5, the JetBlue hub, set off the metal detector in the incident on Monday at 6 a.m., the Port Authority added.
The TSA and the Port Authority dispute the circumstances at the checkpoint. The TSA said it had some officers stationed to perform screenings but Port Authority said not a single TSA agent was there.
The Port Authority said TSA officials did not tell them about the security breach until 8 a.m., when all passengers were presumed to have been mid-flight.
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Authorities determined the identities of three passengers who boarded the same flight to San Francisco. They were searched once they landed. The Port Authority is working with federal authorities to determine the identity of the eight other passengers who boarded various flights.
"Early reports indicate 3 passengers did not receive required secondary screening after alarming the walk through metal detector. All personal carry-on bags received required screening. A K9 team was present at the checkpoint at the time of the incident," TSA said in a statement. "TSA works with a network of security layers both seen and unseen. We are confident this incident presents minimal risk to the aviation transportation system."
Some travelers at JFK airport were alarmed by the security breach.
"We rely on that to make sure our flight is safe, to make sure everyone on there is not a danger, doesn't pose any danger and we can fly safely," Marianna Iannotta told CBS New York. "So that's a little scary."
