Long security lines snaked into baggage claim areas and parking garages at some U.S. airports this weekend, a possible indicator of more widespread travel problems as the latest government shutdown drags on.
That kind of disruption, while not yet widespread, is not a concern that typically surfaces at San Francisco International Airport, the largest of nearly two dozen U.S. airports where screening checkpoints are staffed by private contractors under a little-used federal program that allows airports to outsource security screenings while maintaining TSA oversight.
Because contractors’ pay comes from a federal contract, it often continues even when the government shuts down.
Honestly given all the rampant anarchy the US is causing all over, now is probably the worst time to do this. I agree it’s theatre but I hope it deters at least some woodbe attackers. Reigning it back during a time of peace is understandable. During a time of war is just negligence.
Security theatre is not effective… The FBI and NSA are actually pretty good at discovering attacks before they happen though