Security Breach Shuts Down Terminal At Tulsa International Airport

A security breach at Tulsa International Airport early Thursday briefly shut down the terminal.

According to a TSA statement, a passenger appeared to intentionally circumvent the screening process at the airport and boarded American Airlines flight 2668 to Chicago. When TSA officers discovered the breach, they alerted law enforcement. 

The TSA did not provide details on how the passenger circumvented the screening process and didn't explain at what point it discovered the breach:

"Vigilance by one of our TSA officers lead to the discovery of the security breach and alerted law enforcement. Out of an abundance of caution, local law enforcement and TSA met the individual upon arrival at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The passenger was escorted to the checkpoint and rescreened. A ceremonial cake knife was removed from her carry-on bag. TSA continues to investigate this matter and has the authority to assess a civil penalty of up to $7,840 for circumventing security. The Tulsa Airport Police Department also is investigating this matter. 

Today, all air travelers are subject to a robust security system that employs multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen, including: intelligence gathering and analysis, cross-checking passenger manifests against watch lists, thorough screening at checkpoints, random canine team screening at airports, reinforced cockpit doors, Federal Air Marshals, armed pilots and a vigilant public.”

The American Airlines flight landed in Chicago at 7:44 a.m. The TSA says the passenger was carrying a cake knife.