WINDSOR LOCKS — Connecticut State Police said that rapper Kamaiyah Johnson was arrested after refusing to remove her head cover.
Police said that her head cover was setting off an alarm at the checkpoint.
Johnson was pulled aside and spoken to by State Police and she was adamant in not removing her head cover to be inspected.
She was advised unless she did, as she was told by the TSA, she wouldn’t be allowed to go through security and allowed to fly.
Johnson continued to refuse and began to use foul language directed at the TSA and state troopers on scene.
She was asked to leave, which she refused again, and continued to be aggressive according to police.
Johnson was placed under arrest and she continued her tirade as she was escorted out of the terminal.
She was handcuffed and charged with breach of peace. She was released on $5,000 bail.
The TSA released the following statement on Friday afternoon:
“TSA officers serve to protect all people with dignity and respect. TSA will not tolerate verbal abuse and/or aggressive behavior toward our officers.
“In this instance, a passenger became abusive when TSA officers requested that she remove her bonnet before undergoing screening. When the passenger refused, TSA officers attempted to screen her using alternative screening methods while still wearing the headwear. Multiple security technologies indicated an alarm on the passenger’s head. The passenger continued to refuse TSA’s offer for a private screening room in which she could remove the headwear to allow officers to resolve the alarms. Connecticut State Police responded to the security checkpoint as the passenger continued to be aggressive toward TSA officers and refused to complete the screening process.”
Background on screening of head coverings, hats, etc.
- All passengers who begin the screening process must complete the screening process.
- TSA officers are trained to resolve all alarms indicated by a security technology.
- Persons wearing head coverings, loose fitting or bulky garments may undergo additional security screening, which may include a pat-down. A pat-down will be conducted by a TSA officer of the same gender.
- If an alarm cannot be resolved through a pat-down, you may ask for private screening to remove the head covering. Inform the TSA officer if the head covering is religious, cultural or a ceremonial item that requires special handling.
