The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed a controversial internal investigation alleging that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), under the Biden administration, targeted American citizens for political reasons. The report claims former TSA Administrator David Pekoske and his team systematically watchlisted individuals who resisted mask mandates or participated in the January 6, 2021, protests, despite no evidence of wrongdoing.
The DHS statement criticized the TSA’s actions as “unprecedented,” citing the placement of 280 individuals linked to the Capitol riots and 19 others who defied mask rules on high-severity no-fly lists. The agency alleged these measures were unrelated to aviation security and instead served as a tool for political retribution. The investigation also highlighted inconsistencies, such as TSA officials ignoring violations by individuals involved in violent George Floyd protests while targeting dissenters.
Additional findings revealed the TSA’s Quiet Skies program, which allegedly surveilled former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and granted privileges to Bill Shaheen, husband of Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Documents obtained by the Senate Homeland Security Committee showed three unnamed Republican members of Congress were monitored under the same program, with notes suggesting their inclusion was arbitrary.
The DHS stated it is forwarding the case to the Justice Department and Congress for further scrutiny, framing the allegations as part of a broader pattern of abuse by Biden-era officials.