TSA: Claire McCaskill Speaks About 'Aggressive Pat-Down' At Lambert Airport (VIDEO)

TSA: Claire McCaskill Speaks About "Aggressive Pat-Down" At Lambert Airport (VIDEO)

By Sam Levin Wed., Mar. 13 2013 at 11:50 AM

Categories: News

Claire McCaskill

It may not have been quite as dramatic as the attempted pat-down of a wheelchair-bound three-year-old last month, but Senator Claire McCaskill was not pleased with her airport security experience this week.

As she often does, McCaskill took to Twitter on Monday to vent about her time at Lambert and the private, "aggressive" pat-down she received.

When CNN asked her about the "#veryuncomfortable" security check, she said it was, at least, a learning experience for her.

What occurred at Lambert?

Here are some of her tweets on the incident:

Today in my airport screening, test on my hands was positive. Got private, more aggressive pat down. OMG. #veryuncomfortable
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) March 11, 2013

I have pat downs constantly,I have a metal knee.There aren't/ shouldn't be special rules for Congress.I should be treated like anyone else.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) March 11, 2013

I do it twice a week. "@nickhibbeler: @clairecmc Please remember that citizens go through this every day just to be able to travel freely."
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) March 11, 2013

She also tweeted that maybe it was hand lotion that forced her to receive an additional pat-down.

She told CNN:

It was uncomfortable. I think it's important that things like that happen to people like me. The rules need to be the same for everyone and if more of us had that exposure to the system, perhaps we would be more aggressive about making sure that we're using our resources wisely when it comes to safety of the traveling public. I get that we need to have protocols and procedures in place to make flying safe for everyone, but that has tempered about, are we using our resources in a way that makes the most sense and I think that's a question that we haven't really answered yet.

Here's CNN's video.

And here's another recent video of McCaskill talking about TSA screening procedures.

Send feedback and tips to the author. Follow Sam Levin on Twitter at @SamTLevin.

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ThatsMyTattooo topcommenter

Well at least there's no misoginistic posts here. I threw up in my mouth reading the perverse, twisted comments on this story elsewhere....

Heather Elizabeth Coil

No they haven't ken. They've caught FBI planted "terrorists" but that's it.

Andrew James Cox

TSA is terrible at Lambert http://consumerist.com/2013/02/22/tsa-policies-are-so-confusing-its-no-wonder-a-3-year-old-in-a-wheelchair-gets-upset-during-screening/ Edited: I just realized I could have referenced the article RFT released about the incident. My apologies.

James Madison

Ms. McCaskill found out she is not a princess after all, just a regular person subject to the tyranny of big government. Sadly, she will not have learned any lesson from this, and will push for the latest tax and spend bill from the Democrats.

Marisela Rivas

McCaskill is always pleasant when she goes through STL ( I used to work there ).. She flies ALOT so she was bound to set off a false alarm eventually. Airport security is not fun but neither is trying to find a place in the overhead luggage compartment. Or sitting smashed against someone who is sick. The fun part is getting to where you need to go in less time and arriving SAFELY.

Ken Van Wieren

Heather Elizabeth Coil, check your facts. They have caught quite a few potential ones over the years, before they got on board. That's why you don't hear it in the media, because nothing "bad" happened.

Luke Elder

if you get caught using taxpayer money for your own private airplane, then evade paying property taxes on that plane, this is your punishment.

Painting With A Twist - Creve Coeur, MO

I don't find TSA upsetting. I have always encountered fairly friendly people. I accidentally left my pocket tool in my bag..You know, screwdriver,corkscrew,knife freebie companies give away? I keep it in my purse and TOTALLY forgot about it! I felt like such a jerk because I knew better, but they were nice and just kept it. LOL!

Heather Smith

TSA Gangstas!! Great song about TSA

Seymour Justice

she's voted for similar rights violations for americans, that's for sure

Katie Trudo

I'd "Pat" that....get it?

Heather Elizabeth Coil

The TSA has caught zero terrorists so far, so no surprise here. Have the airlines responsible for security.

Randy Dedert

Ef her. I hope they fisted her. Thanks for signing the NDAA now you know what it feels like to have your liberties violated.

Natalie Stephens

*yawns* I'm tired of hearing about the BIG BAD TSA people ... get REAL here people. Yes, it might be a pain in your neck when you travel, and YES you might get patted down and feel like it was unnecessary but let's remember WHY the TSA is there. They are there to do a job and keep people SAFER when flying. Are they all perfect TSA people no ... because guess what they are HUMAN, but it's their JOB and I for one am glad to have them there. If ya don't like the TSA and you don't want to be patted down and scrutinized when you travel then hop in your car, get on a train or take the bus but for God's sake quit bitching about something that is a necessary evil for this world we are living in!!!!

Heather Smith

I'm sorry but .... this is Friggin hilarious!!! I can't stand TSA, I can't stand security at LSL and I can't stand McCaskill. I'm torn between who to root for!