Westchester Airport Will Not Allow 'Alarmist' Homeland Security Video To Play At TSA Checkpoints

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Air travelers around the country will be treated to a video message while waiting in long airport security lines as the federal government shutdown drags into its second week.

But the message, with a decidedly political bent, won't be playing at Westchester County Airport.

"Westchester County has reviewed the request from the Department of Homeland Security to replace the REAL ID video with a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that was released by United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and our message is clear: it is inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation's top public officials," County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement released on Friday. "The PSA politicizes the impacts of a federal government shutdown on TSA Operations, and the County finds the tone to be unnecessarily alarmist — particularly as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport. This video will not be displayed at Westchester County Airport."

The video provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a public service announcement for air travelers, quickly delves into partisan talking points about a stalemate between lawmakers that has hampered the functions of the federal government.

"It is TSA's top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says. "However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay."

Noem closes by saying, "We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government."

Westchester's highest elected official, however, said that the highly politicized message does nothing to make the flying public safer, and, in fact, might accomplish the exact opposite.

"At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust," Jenkins said. "As County Executive, I believe our residents deserve clear, honest and nonpartisan communication—especially when it comes to national security, government shutdown impacts, and public safety."

Jenkins said that despite the "alarmist" message from the administration, officials here would prefer not to play politics when it comes to safety at the airport.

"In Westchester County, we're committed to keeping our Airport running efficiently and safely, regardless of political games in Washington," Jenkins said. "The county will continue to coordinate with federal agencies to ensure that Airport operations remain secure and uninterrupted for our travelers throughout any federal government shutdown."