TSA investigating new assaults on its workers; new self-defense training planned

With federal agencies trying to crack down on passengers who are violently acting out on commercial flights, officials now say travelers are attacking -- and even biting -- those staffing airport security checkpoints. In new details, the TSA laid out two attacks on Transportation Security Officers during June, the latest of 69 reported incidents of travelers physically assaulting TSA employees since the start of the pandemic. The TSA says police in Denver are investigating a passenger who they say bit two security workers earlier this month. During another incident in Louisville, Kentucky, the TSA says two of its workers were assaulted as a passenger tried to "breach the exit lane." The TSA says the passengers in both incidents face civil fines of up to $13,910 "for each violation of TSA security requirements." The announcement comes as a more vaccinated public is rushing back to travel. More than 2.1m people passed through security at airports nationwide on Sunday, the highest number since March 7, 2020. "What is an exciting return to travel for some may be a more difficult experience for others, which can lead to unexpected, and unacceptable, behaviors," said TSA Acting Administrator Darby LaJoye.<br/>