Woman Attacks TSA Officer at Orlando Airport

Image: Orlando International Airport. (photo via Moises Michel/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Orlando International Airport. (photo via Moises Michel/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Alex Temblador
by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Sat February 9, 2019

A Florida woman attacked a TSA officer in a bizarre attempt to bypass security and enter an airport's secure area.

Angela McNaughton, 28, of Orlando, Florida, drove up to curbside check-in at Orlando International Airport on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.

She demanded an employee to park her truck and check her in for her flight. When the employee couldn't find her reservation, she said "have the (expletive) thing towed," and entered the airport near the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.

McNaughton then walked to the Known Crew Member entrance of the east security checkpoint. A TSA employee tried to stop her from entering but McNaughton said she "knew her rights," shoved the TSA officer out of the way and continued forward.

At this time, police say that surveillance video shows a knife falling out of her jacket or being thrown. They have not released the footage.

The TSA officer radioed in a breach and several other TSA employees caught up with McNaughton as she walked to the passenger trains that go to the terminals. She swore at the officers and when one tried to grab her, she dropped her purse and other items and yelled at the officers to pick them up.

Police report that McNaughton struck an officer in the chest and grabbed his radio to throw it on the ground. The officers were unable to arrest her because she refused to lie on the ground, so she was tasered by an officer. The tase caused her screamed and thrash wildly on the ground.

She eventually complied and when police arrived, they found a military ID and 12 grams of cannabis. Police charged McNaughton with battery of a law enforcement officer, cannabis possession, and other charges.

It's unclear what McNaughton's motives were as she didn't appear to have a reservation or any connection with TSA.

This incident occurred less than a week after TSA agent, Robert Henry, committed suicide in the airport.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...