A gun, a water bottle and a throwing star: An unusual TSA experiment

Nov. 23, 2015 - Atlanta - Airport employee Tony O'brien leads the line through security in a timed test to show how possession of prohibited items delays the line. TSA personnel demonstrated how they respond to prohibited items at security checkpoints in a session for the press using airport employees playing the part of passengers. The Transportation Security Administration is advising travelers to keep prohibited items out of their bags to keep security lines moving. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, more than 130 people have been caught with guns at airport security checkpoints so far this year. Whenever a gun, explosive or other dangerous weapons are caught at checkpoints, TSA officers halt security screening in the lane and call Atlanta police to respond to the checkpoint. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM