What's up with our Air Marshals

OIS · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2007, 05:13 AM

It seems that upon more than one occassion an Air Marshal as "lost" their side arm. From the articles posted below I assume the weapon was a 40 calibler semi automatic. But more than that I wonder how rigorious their training is. I also would like to know the specifics of the amunition. Anyone know?

Air marshal loses a gun at the airport

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Indianapolis Airport Police said a .40-caliber pistol found by a limo driver at the Airport belongs to a federal air marshal.
Limousine driver Perry L. Williams found the handgun Wednesday and immediately gave it to authorities, said The Indianapolis Star.
The police report said the .40-caliber handgun was in a small black case and was secured with a trigger lock.
The gun was then traced to the U.S. Air Marshal's Service, where officials said it was assigned to a 42-year-old marshal from Ohio, said Airport Police Officer Robert Gyorkos, the newspaper said.
Airport Police Chief Bill Reardon said the gun would likely be returned to federal authorities.

Air marshal loses a gun at the airport - Indianapolis Airport Police said a .40-caliber pistol found ...

Air marshal leaves gun in airport restroom
Friday, April 9, 2004 Posted: 10:24 PM EDT (0224 GMT)

CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) -- A federal air marshal accidentally left her gun in a restroom at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, an airport spokeswoman said Friday.

A passenger found the semiautomatic handgun Thursday and notified an airport employee. The employee then told airport police, who secured the weapon, said the spokeswoman, Pat Smith.

"They later found it belonged to a federal air marshal who apparently was using the restroom and put it up on the shelf while she was washing her hands and forgot about it," Smith said.

Dave Adams, a spokesman for the federal Air Marshal Service, said the marshal, whose name was not released, probably would be suspended.

Airdisaster.Com Forums - Air marshal leaves gun in airport restroom

**X-ffdo** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-16-2007, 07:05 PM

All I can tell you, anytime there is off body carry, there is a chance for the weapon to be lost. Statistically speaking what you carry on you, stays with you.

**BonoVox** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-16-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

All I can tell you, anytime there is off body carry, there is a chance for the weapon to be lost. Statistically speaking what you carry on you, stays with you.

Totally agree. Just this morning I left my boarding pass envelope in the bathroom at the airport. Set it down in a hard to miss spot and well missed it as I got up and left. Hard to believe it could happen with a CCW. But the potential is there big time. Lots of distractions not only in airports, but all public locations.

Another reason for a stiff high quality belt. If I go in that area of a bathroom CCW stays in holster and is still supported with the belt loops and the belt.

**WKC** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-16-2007, 08:48 PM

Here is a link to the list of TSA Approved Firearms.

This is a link to The Gun Zone which describes the course of fire for Air Marshals. Not sure how accurate it is.

**Hammer** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2007, 09:25 AM

A friend is an Air Marshal...He carries a Sig 229 .357 Sig.

libertarian · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2007, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WKC

This is a link to The Gun Zone which describes the course of fire for Air Marshals. Not sure how accurate it is.

Even if it was, it isn't anymore. Right at the bottom of that it says:

Quote:

"A marksmanship test that simulates conditions a marshal might face aboard a jet was eliminated as a means of qualifying for the program, apparently to get more marshals on more flights quickly, sources say. A manager and two sources within the TSA say the difficult shooting course was cut from qualification tests after a high number of applicants began failing what had once been the program's critical requirement. Program officials insist the shooting standards for marshals are among the highest for law enforcement organizations.

Regular training opportunities, such as time on the shooting range, are often precluded by the expanded flight schedules, marshals say. Even getting bullets for shooting practice has proven difficult." (Source)

That article dates from 2002.

**OCResident** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2007, 06:46 PM

It is inexcusable.

That being said, have you ever lost your car keys, your phone, or anything else you carry with you? It happens to all of us, just less consequence when you're not leaving a gun in an airport.

...but they have got to be better than that. Too much risk.

Whitewater · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2007, 07:51 PM

Bet that air-marshal had to buy the beers after that.....

Oh well, maybe not quite as bad as the infamous DEA guy who shot himself in the foot (here's the link ;-)

YouTube - DEA AGENT SHOOTS OWN FOOT

**THaves** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2007, 11:44 PM

I find it hard to believe, I mean he only has two things to remember his gun and his badge. Was there ever a follow up I wonder if he lost his badge later.

**X-ffdo** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammer

A friend is an Air Marshal...He carries a Sig 229 .357 Sig.

Well.....since someone else said it...yes, that is what they shoot....good gun!

**X-ffdo** · #11 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitewater

Bet that air-marshal had to buy the beers after that.....

Oh well, maybe not quite as bad as the infamous DEA guy who shot himself in the foot (here's the link ;-)

YouTube - DEA AGENT SHOOTS OWN FOOT

"I am the only person in this room, that I know of, that is qualified to carry a Glock fohty"......BOOOOM!!!!!!
He had a lawsuit against someone , I think the DEA, that I understand confiscated the tape and eventually released it to the public.
I have to say the guy took it pretty well though after shooting himself. I am sure the poor guy had his career come to a sudden stop!