TSA agents suspended over racist display 'showing gorillas hanging from noose' in major US airport

TSA says investigation is under way regarding 'reprehensible' display

(AP)

Two US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials have been placed on leave for creating a racist display in a major US airport that officials with the agency has called “reprehensible”.

The display was found at a TSA workstation in the Miami International Airport, and showed toy gorillas hanging from nooses.

CNN, which first reported the display and the related photo, reported that the display was first flagged to a manager by three officers with the agency. The manager, however, “tried to downplay the noose and gorilla display, saying it wasn’t racist, it was just a joke”.

That manager’s reaction further upset the three officers, and the TSA is now investigating the circumstances.

“We choose not to describe the display under investigation. This reprehensible act runs absolutely counter to the values of the agency, and therefore we do not want to provide it any credence,” a TSA official told The Independent.

In an official statement, the TSA noted that the display was found in a non-public area of the airport, and confirmed the investigation.

“An offensive display was discovered in a TSA baggage screening area located in the non-public side of Miami International Airport. TSA Officers immediately reported it to TSA Management,” that statement reads.

The statement continues: “The display was immediately removed and an investigation was launched into who was responsible for the unacceptable behaviour. TSA does not tolerate racist or offensive behaviour and those found responsible will be held accountable for their actions. Two TSA Officers have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.”