TSA agent punched in chest by passenger

By Ed O'Keefe

A passenger was arrested Tuesday for punching a Transportation Security Administration officer in the chest after passing through a body-imaging machine at Indianapolis International Airport, police said.

According to police, John A. Christina, 51, admitted to punching the officer after passing through the machine and asking the officer about increased security procedures. The officer replied that he does not normally work in Indianapolis and could not answer the question.

Christina then punched the officer in the chest, police said. The officer, who is normally assigned to the Dayton, Ohio, airport, asked Christina why he punched him.

"I was only kidding with you," Christina replied.

Other TSA agents and passengers witnessed the incident, police said, and Christina was arrested and charged with battery.

In a statement, TSA spokesman Greg Soule called violence against TSOs, "shameful."

"TSA will work with local authorities to see that appropriate action is taken," Soule said.

The body-imaging machines are at the center of increased criticism and scrutiny of TSA's airport security measures.

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