Denver International Airport stopped its planes and concourse trains and shut down security checkpoints for about a half hour this afternoon over concerns about a passenger.
Security personnel weren’t sure a passenger was properly screened before entering the concourse, so airport security began a search from 5:02 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., said spokeswomen for the airport at the Transportation Safety Administration.
“It appears (now) the proper screening procedures were followed,” said TSA spokeswoman Carrie Harmon.
Harmon said she could not elaborate on what led screeners to think the person had eluded checks.
Denver police Capt. Brian Gallagher told 9News a federal air marshal went through security with his gun. Afterword, a TSA worker was unsure what had happened and declared a breach.
The marshal was located and showed his credentials, Gallagher told the TV station.
DIA spokeswoman Erica Gingerich also would not elaborate on the details, but said the fast, broad response was required by law to ensure the person does not board a plane or reach the airfields.
“This happens only occasionally, but we have very strict procedures we have to follow when it does,” she said.
Joey Bunch: jbunch@denverpost.com or 303-954-1174
