Tenn. Congressman Wants To Eliminate Air Marshals
The president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) said he was appalled by Rep. John Duncan's (R-Tenn.) latest criticism of the Federal Air Marshals Service (FAMS).
The president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) said he was appalled by Rep. John Duncan's (R-Tenn.) latest call to eliminate the Federal Air Marshals Service (FAMS).
During remarks on the House floor earlier this month, Rep. Duncan called FAMS "the most needless, useless agency in the entire federal government."
He then added, "Talk about a soft, easy job. All these people do is ride back and forth on airplanes, back and forth, back and forth, mostly in first class."
Duncan made the remarks to the House Committee for Homeland Security on Feb. 15. The congressman has been a proponent of eliminating the $860 million in annual funding to the agency.
"FLEOA takes strong exception to the faulty reasoning put forth by
Rep. Duncan," Adler said in a statement that also called the remarks inflammatory.
Duncan has criticized federal air marshals in the past, even posting a video of similar remarks make in 2009 on his YouTube channel, called "Wasteful Air Marshal Service."
Then, and now, Rep. Duncan criticized the service for its low arrest numbers and quoted a 2008 USA Today investigative story that questioned the effectiveness of the air marshal service that was beefed up after 9/11.
"What he fails to understand is that the federal air marshals have been a formidable force for deterring violent crimes on airplanes," Adler said. "The low number of arrests is actually to their credit, and demonstrates the positive impact the FAMS has on air travel safety.
By Paul Clinton
More Patrol
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →