By RFD Radio
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration is doing a leadership reboot as a result of long lines for security checkpoints at O’Hare and other American airports.
TSA administrator Peter Neffenger replaced head of security Kelly Hoggan in hopes of trying a different approach.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin met with Neffenger about his concerns last week at O’Hare.
“We know we have to keep our airports safe, but we also know what happened in the last few weeks is unacceptable,” Durbin said.
Previously, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk called for Neffenger’s resignation if the long lines weren’t cleared up by Memorial Day.
Kelly Hoggan was removed from his post amid an uproar over long lines at airport security checkpoints and intense scrutiny of bonus payments. Neffenger said he hoped to find another place “for Hoggan’s talents” within TSA.
Neffenger said Tuesday Hoggan was removed because the agency is seeking a “different approach,” not because of any wrongdoing,
“I felt it was important to have a different approach going forward than we’ve had in the past,” Neffenger told USA TODAY. He said his goal was to gauge how to move travelers more efficiently through lines, rather than just faster.
Neffenger named Darby LaJoye, who was second in command of the Office of Security Operations, as the agency’s acting chief.
