Homeland Security chairman says US state's gun law raises airport security problems

The chairman of the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee says he might pursue new federal gun restrictions in response to a recently enacted Georgia law that could allow people to carry concealed firearms in parts of the airport at the state capital, Atlanta. Apparently surprised that some airports long have allowed guns in unsecured areas, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson said the new Georgia legislation represents a significant hole in national security and a threat to travelers. He asked the Transportation Security Administration to clarify federal law governing weapons in areas outside security checkpoints. In a Monday letter to TSA Assistant Secretary Kip Hawley, Thompson said his "committee may seek legislative action to correct this omission" if there are no restrictions. TSA spokesman Christopher White... [read full story]