A security breach at Tampa International Airport suspended airside operations and led to the arrest of a passenger, causing disruptions to travel plans for several hours on Friday, August 4, 2023. The incident, which unfolded shortly before 8 p.m., prompted a swift response from airport authorities and law enforcement personnel.
As a result of the breach, all passengers within Airside F were required to evacuate and return to the airport’s Main Terminal. The suspension of Airside F operation lasted approximately an hour and 45 minutes before normal operations were gradually restored around 9:45 p.m. During this time, authorities conducted a thorough precautionary sweep of Airside F with the assistance of K9 units, ensuring the safety of all travelers before reopening the affected area.
The individual responsible for the security breach was identified as Tampa area resident Abraham Yacoub, a 25-year-old passenger. Yacoub now faces serious charges, including carrying a concealed firearm in an unauthorized location and tampering with physical evidence. It was discovered that Yacoub had managed to pass through the TSA screening area while carrying a 9mm Glock firearm concealed in a backpack.
The events leading to Yacoub’s arrest began when the airport’s x-ray screening machine detected the firearm. This prompted a response from TSA personnel, but Yacoub had already left the area.
Officers from the Tampa Airport Police were dispatched to Airside F Security Screening Lane about a firearm brought into the prohibited secured area of the airport without permission or declaring it. Yacoub placed his carry-on bag on the belt to be screened. The TSA x-ray operator saw what appeared to be a firearm on the monitor; however, the suspect departed the area with the bag before being stopped by TSA agents. The defendant was observed on CCTV camera taking possession of the bag, then he walked directly to the adjacent men’s restroom and entered with the bag on his right shoulder; approximately five minutes later, he exited the restroom with the bag and straps on both shoulders. TSA agents contacted the subject as he returned to the TSA screening area where his mother was waiting.
TSA rescreened Yocoub’s bag, and no firearm was located. Officer Grant located an unchambered Glock 19 firearm with fourteen rounds in the magazine in the waste bin of the restroom the subject had entered. According to arrest documentation, the firearm was found wrapped in paper towels and artfully concealed at the bottom of the waste bag.
He was later located after he emerged from a bathroom in Airside F and returned to the security area with his backpack.
Passengers onboard a departing flight were required to deplane and return to the main terminal as a precautionary measure. Similarly, passengers arriving on flights during the security breach remained on their aircraft until the airside was officially reopened at approximately 9:45 p.m. This affected nearly a dozen flights, but Tampa Airport reports no cancellations of any flights.
The incident has raised questions regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) handling of the incident. TSA has not released any information to explain how the passenger took possession of the firearm once detected in the screened item. This event is a reminder of the importance of robust security protocols within airports and TSA’s role in ensuring air travel safety. It is not uncommon for passengers to get arrested for attempting to bring a firearm into the TSA screening area. This case stands out because the firearm and passenger passed the security checkpoint.
