“It’s the case here that if certain passengers cannot go through the process due to their disabilities, or due to other reasons, they simply won’t be able to fly,” Edwards said before Judges Judith Rogers, Patricia Millett and Gregory Katsas. “And it is the case that Congress has required the screening of all passengers and property to ensure that there’s no prohibited items that may get on board.”
Ramsingh previously appealed to the TSA directly to throw out the interference charge and associated $2,050 civil penalty fee, which was reduced to $680. TSA denied the request.
Background: According to the petition filed in August, Ramsingh was moving through the security checkpoint process when he set off the explosive trace detection device and needed further screening. Screeners moved him to an imaging machine, but Ramsingh informed the agents that he was physically unable to raise his arms as directed.
A screener then informed him that TSA procedures “dictated that a pat down search was necessary to resolve the positive” test, according to the filing. Ramsingh declined the pat down.
Wednesday’s hearing revealed Ramsingh did not want the pat down because of post traumatic stress stemming from past sexual trauma. TSA offered a pat-down search in a more private area of the checkpoint, but Ramsingh again declined, stating he would just leave the checkpoint area.
TSA then called the Tampa Airport Police to remove Ramsingh from the area for non-compliance, though Ramsingh’s attorney contends he wasn’t disruptive or combative during the incident. TSA meanwhile argued Ramsingh’s refusal to complete the screening process “interfered with TSA screening personnel in the performance of their duties.”
TSA has also argued Ramsingh, who travels a minimum of six times a year, was well aware of screening procedures, including pat downs.
The hearing: Millett, a judge, questioned TSA about on what specific accommodations the agency has for people that can’t undergo a security examination for physical or emotional mental health reasons. Edwards responded there is none in the event someone sets off the explosive detection test, and is subject to a pat down.
“[But] a private screening doesn’t address his trauma,” Millett replied.
Rogers interjected that certain passengers “are not going to be allowed” in a post 9/11 world to “fly on a plane.” Edwards said TSA tries to accommodate as many people as it can, but agreed that is TSA’s position.
“That’s a little shocking to me,” Millett said, adding the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses transportation rights granted to impaired passengers.
In a statement to TheTeCHyWorLD, a TSA spokesperson reiterated its security screening procedures, including its TSA Cares program which provides travelers in special circumstances additional support as needed. The spokesperson did not comment on Ramsingh’s specific case.
What’s next: The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals did not provide a time frame on a ruling.