‘F**king Deafie’: Deaf Man Claims TSA Agents Bullied Him at Airport Security Checkpoint (Updated)

Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:23am by Billy Hallowell
Print »
Email »

Deaf Man Claims Louisville Airport TSA Called Him Names, Harassed Him

Man who claims the TSA discriminated against him at Louisville, Kentucky airport

Yesterday, it was singer Nicki Minaj who complained about a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent who she claims “overtly fondled” her. Now, we have yet another story — this time it comes from a deaf man who claims that he was bullied by TSA agents at the Louisville, Kentucky, airport. Among other actions and comments, he says he was called a “fu**ing deafie.”

The man, who goes by “teaandtheatre” on Tumblr, writes that he was on his way home form the National Association for the Deaf’s biennial conference with some friends when he encountered intense discrimination. Here’s how he described the alleged incident involving TSA agents:

While I was going through the TSA, some of them started laughing in my direction. I thought it might’ve been someone behind me, but I found out otherwise.

They went through my bag (for no reason), and found a couple bags of candy I brought. I was told I wasn’t allowed to fly with that (wtf? I’ve flown with food before — these were even sealed still because I brought them right in the airport). I was then asked if I would like to donate the candy “To the USO”. Since I know the airport there has an Air National Guard base, and I figured it would go to the soldiers, I (annoyed) said sure, why not?

The guards, as I was getting scanned, started eating the candy they just told me was for the soldiers. In front of me, still laughing at me (very clearly now). One of them asked why they were laughing, and one of them came up to me, pointed at my shirt, laughed at me and said, “Fucking deafie”. The Louisville TSA called me a “fucking deafie” and laughed at me because I was deaf, and they expected wouldn’t say anything back (or wouldn’t hear them). Make no bones about it — she was facing me and I read her lips. There was no mistake. I would later find out that they had called at least 4 other individuals the same thing.

You can read the rest of the man’s posting here, which includes other instances of alleged discrimination. While his story hasn’t yet been verified, if it’s true, it’s certainly disturbing. But, it’s also important to note than anyone can wage accusations against the TSA. It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon and assume the worst. Then again, anything is possible.

Update: As Reason notes (and as we’ve discovered), the man’s Tumblr account now appears to be down or removed. According to a commenter on Boing Boing, he removed his note due to concern over negative fallout that he and others with disabilities could receive as a result of the post. While this may be the case, it will certainly fuel controversy over the authenticity of the original story.

(H/T: Boing Boing)

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (40)

path232
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:46pm
Something doesn’t set right with this story….sounds exaggerated.
Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
- ENIGMA28724
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:54pm
  Although my interactions with the TSA have been uniformly positive, I would not be surprised if this young man’s story is true. It should be easy to disprove by pulling up the video security footage on the day in question, assuming it hasn’t “disappeared” or they had a “malfunction”. Give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
  Report Post »
OniKaze
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:03pm
I had an employee once do a similar thing to one of my customers… What he didn’t know, was I was personally friends with this customer, and have had deaf friends ever since I was in elementary school (Next door neighbor was completely deaf and could not speak due to never being able to hear).

I heard him telling one of my other employees that “That stupid deaf guy just overpaid me $5 because I rang up an additional fee while I was ringing him up…”

So I went to my friends house, told him what happened, asked him what he wanted me to do about it, and we decided to have him wait for my employee in the back-room oneday so they could “discuss” this.. In the end, the next time that employee came in, we were waiting for him in the back, and I gave him the following option…

1. Give the man $10 (5 for your theft and 5 as an apology), then get on your knees and apologize… IF he accepts your apology, you can keep your job……

2. Don’t give an apology, and I will call the police, and you can discuss your theft with them….

He chose option 1, but since his apology was somewhat lacking in sincerity… I fired him…
Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
- Magyar
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:27pm
  Well done—
  
  I wonder how long ago this incident took place…
  
  In today’s world, you‘d be in jail for embarrassing the ’poor’ lad!
  Report Post »
LeadNotFollow
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:00pm
…
What else would you expect from the Islamic trained TSA?
They are just testing, to see how far decent citizens can be pushed, before they snap.
Sharia law is just months away. My guess, it will be implemented on November 7th.
I will not comply !!!
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
FSM_47
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:44pm
Have a friend who was a special-ed teacher for low IQ kids. Two of her former students now work for TSA. just saying
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
Wyatt's Torch
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:19pm
“She said ‘SWEEP together’, you idiots! Not ‘SLEEP together’!”
— George Costanza
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
red_white_blue2
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:53pm
I’ll be flying in a few weeks. I will have a minor child of 16 with me. TSA beware-if you try any ****, it will be the last **** you ever do. Just sayin’ boys! Oh, and gals! Want to keep it PC don’t ya know! lol
Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
- Picard
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 7:38pm
  Would you rather they didn’t screen your flight?
  Report Post »
Deputy
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:56am
Sorry, but this story is simply unbelievable. Some people will simply buy anything at face value if it is anti government.
Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
- Weiners Wiener
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:53pm
  You don‘t know it isn’t true. Prove it before you call this man a liar.
  Report Post »
- Jaycen
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:12pm
  It’s unbelievable?
  
  So, it’s cool for you to dismiss it without verification, but I’m a fool if I accept it without verification?
  
  Please confine future douching to private rooms, would ya?
  Report Post »
SamIamTwo
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:56am
This is what happens when you hire grade school drop outs who become gang bangers. TSA has some seriously messed up people…that exceed their authority.

Next time I am picked on (which I have been) I will ask to speak to the supervisor…(I’ll be at the airport 4 hrs before my flight takes off next time). Pocket recorder on.
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
JustJerry
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:51am
Republicans are responsible for the TSA. Do they really want smaller government?
Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
- Fubared
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:00pm
  Maybe not the GOP. TSA like any public union has outlived it’s shelf life. These thugs should habla espanol and “work” on the southern border.
  Report Post »
- LameLiberals
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:04pm
  Correction- the RINOs in the republican party wanted the TSA.
  
  They are willing to give up security for safety. Ben Franklin WARNED of this ‘Those who give up liberty for security – DESERVE NEITHER.
  
  I bet Congressman Rand and Lee did NOT vote for it. I bet McCain/Snowe/Graham/Brown jumped at the chance for a BIGGER government. I also bet that Alan West and Michelle Bachman went for it because while they talk up the Constitution – they easily spit upon it also.
  Report Post »
- Weiners Wiener
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:54pm
  LAMELIBERALS — Those who give up FREEDOM for PROTECTION deserve neither. Safety and security are the same thing.
  Report Post »
thegreatcarnac
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:50am
The TSA has become even more overbearing since the obama regime came to power. They are the new Gestapo. Under the guise of ‘keeping you safe’ they have become our overlords. They need to be brought down a notch or two and Neopolitano needs to be in jail along with her boss….obama.
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
garbagecanlogic
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:42am
Wanna bet on what the skin color of the offender was?

Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
carbonated
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:28am
This is why we no longer fly – period. I wonder how much business is lost to our airlines due to American’s refusing to subject themselves to the TSA.
Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
- GardenoftheGods
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:03pm
  Same here! I refuse to fly as long as the TSA is under gov’t control. I‘d rather have Israeli type security where I’m treated with respect & asked questions than a bunch of minimum wage goons on a power trip. If enough of us stopped flying, the TSA would be gone; but no, the sheeple take the TSA’s crap!
  Report Post »
lel2007
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:22am
At MSP in Minnesota I’ve not yet encountered a rude or abusive TSA agent. At the Gulf Port airport in Mississippi I have encountered at least two TSA agent a tad bit overbearing, impressed with their power and authority I guess, but still not abusive.
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
Blazebanned
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:17am
Ive said this before,if the tsa treats you like this,get their name,then when they least expect it, put a beat down on them,they may not be so inclined to repeat thier criminal acts again,and if they do, take the punishment to a higher level……..
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
justangry
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:01am
I believe the recently just exended all this crap. Everyone know how their representatives voted on it?
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
Fella
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:59am
I’m reminded of one of the republican debates not long ago where one of the candidates talked about expanding the role and responsibilities of the TSA… and the(rather geriatric) audience applauded and cheered.

Those folks are largely absent from the comment sections on TSA articles but I’m damn sure they are lurking and reading.
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
lamarlamar
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:47am
they fondle old ladies don’t they?
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
msconstrue
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:47am
i use SDF on a regular basis, its a very small airport and normally the security lines are very minimal. i would be interested to know if any hearing passengers caught this exchange.

if this young mans story is true ( and i have no reason to doubt him)..i hope that he files a claim against the tsa and a HUGE settlement follows!!!!!
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
lynnissmart
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:41am
If they hire people with iq’s of 60 what do you expect????? disgusting~~!!!!
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
Tampa Ken
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:40am
.. so.. all those bully’s that messed with you in school.. guess where there working now??

If I was him, I’d sue for the video of the time, then get those people fired… Period
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
Gonzo
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:39am
Most of these TSA goons would be lucky to hold a job at Bestbuy.
Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
- FREDD The WILSON
  Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:57am
  They would be lucky to work at McDonalds
  Report Post »
perry1980
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:33am
T-errorizing
S-trangers
A-tAirports
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:33am
When is enough going to be enough and we get rid of the TSA? How long until they start using force to intimidate and deal bodily harm to people? How long until one of them threatens someone, who then, feeling their life is in danger, lashes back with force as well?

The TSA needs to be disbanded across the board; they are nothing but thugs and I have heard that Napoletano is planning to expand them to the railroads, buslines and various cities mass transit systems as well.

When will we say enough is enough?
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
jamesctheman
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:30am
That’s messed up. TSA you can kiss my $#@!#% & A^%%&**&^^% & also my &^%^$#$%% You bunch of nasty &^%$#%$%^&% &^%%$^&)(00 *^%%T^&^%$## you & the horse you rode in on.
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply
mike_trivisonno
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:30am
Shut up and be a good dhimmi.

Submit to TSA.

The Saudi Arabians.
Report Post » Log in to Reply Reply

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.