ATLANTA — The general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport spoke directly to passengers for the first time since federal agents arrested an airline employee in an alleged gun-smuggling ring.
Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant worked for three weeks to get the exclusive interview with Miguel Southwell.
Southwell had a direct message for passengers, "I want them to know that we're absolutely committed to moving very deliberately and with great speed to ensure their safety."
Southwell says airport leaders are still working with federal and airline officials to develop long-term employee screening strategies after the incident. He told Diamant a 30-day plan has been accomplished in just 2 1/2 weeks.
"I'm disappointed that we have significant background checks that are being done and you have to have a certain amount of confidence in employees at the airport," Southwell said.
Investigators say from May through December, Delta Airlines employee Eugene Harvey used his airport-issued employee ID badge to get 150 guns past TSA security at Hartsfield-Jackson. His accomplice, Mark Henry, is accused of carrying those guns on 20 flights to New York City.
"Ever since this incident occured, we have been meeting every day, we're very deliberate, but moving really fast at plugging any kind of security gaps that we have in the system," Southwell said.
Airport leaders are working with federal and airline officials to develop long-term employee screening strategies based on risk. Meantime, the airport has stepped up surveillance measures and police presence.
Southwell said the airport has increased the number of random inspections.
"They don't even appear random anymore, so that employees just automatically expect those searches to begin," Southwell said.
The airport, airlines and TSA are facing mounting pressure from federal lawmakers demanding 100 percent employee screening.
Southwell told Diamant that is possible but it would take additional resources.
WSBTV
