David P. Pekoske

This is the archived account of David Pekoske, former Administrator of @TSA.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

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[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

As we prepare for Monday’s Presidential Inauguration, I want to express my sincere gratitude for our Officers who will be supporting the @SecretService in ensuring the safety and security of this historic event. Your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment in working alongside our @DHSgov partners demonstrates the strength of our collaborative efforts in protecting the American people. We know this responsibility is great, but so is your determination to rise to the challenge. Thank you for your hard work and service. 🇺🇸

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

The work we do at @TSA isn’t done alone – it’s a collaborative effort. Our federal, international and transportation partners are key to our success. This week, we’ve celebrated many milestones, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s contributed. Excited to see what we can achieve in 2025 and beyond!

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

One of my proudest achievements this year is seeing how we’ve grown and retained our amazing #TeamTSA. Whether you’re interested in becoming a TSO, a Federal Air Marshal or pursuing a career in intelligence, cybersecurity, and more, @TSA has a path for you.

Explore opportunities with us today: https://t.co/MjL0rS1kbc

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

Last year, we reached a historic milestone with the highest passenger volumes and the largest screening workforce in the agency’s history – an achievement that reflects the dedication, resilience and vigilance of our people across the agency.

In the face of record travel volumes and evolving threats to transportation, our workforce has risen to every challenge by remaining agile with unwavering professionalism, ensuring the safety of the traveling public and security of our transportation systems. I am immensely proud of their commitment to our mission, and the incredible support we continue to receive in our partnerships across government and the travel industry. We look forward to continuing this progress with more technology enhancements and better policies and procedures to increase security effectiveness, efficiency and the customer experience in 2025.

[TSA @TSA]

NEWS: TSA highlights a banner year of record passenger volumes, customer service improvements and technology enhancements.

Full story in our #TSAYearInReview: https://t.co/R7uxfv5ld6

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

One firearm at a checkpoint is too many. Firearms present a safety risk for our employees and everyone else at the checkpoint. It’s also costly and slows down operations. If individuals who carry a firearm intend to travel, we remind them that the firearm must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, declared to the airline at the check-in counter and transported in checked baggage.

[TSA @TSA]

BREAKING NEWS: During 2024, TSA intercepted a total of 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints, preventing them from getting into the secure areas of the airport and onboard aircraft.

Full story: https://t.co/nSKGhIZBQZ

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

Did you notice any of our new tech during recent travels? At @TSA, we're rolling out CAT-2, our credential authentication tech using facial recognition for faster, more secure passenger identification. The facial recognition step is optional, balancing security with strong privacy protections and ensuring we protect your civil rights & liberties.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks.

Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant. We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports.

[TSA @TSA]

NEWS: TSA published a final rule providing a framework for federal agency phased enforcement of REAL ID requirements. Federal agencies, including TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on the deadline—May 7, 2025.

Full story: https://t.co/0j5uBEzGuB

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

Let us all take a moment to recognize our many @TSA law enforcement officers and offer our sincere thanks to their families for the support they give and the sacrifices they make every day. Thank you for your service.

[Homeland Security @DHSgov]

On #NationalLawEnforcementAppreciationDay, we honor the 80,000 law enforcement professionals across DHS who secure our borders, dismantle criminal networks, protect federal facilities, rescue those in danger, & uphold our nation’s ideals. Their impact is felt every day. #WeAreDHS

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

On today's National Day of Mourning, we honor the legacy of former President Carter and remember his lifelong dedication to public service, humanity, and peace.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

The @TSA Federal Air Marshal Service relies on intelligence-driven data when making risk-based determinations where strategic assets are deployed, both inflight & on ground.

FAMS are an integral part of TSA’s multilayered transportation security approach to keep the public safe that incorporates screening & vetting to detect & prevent individuals who pose national security or public safety risks from transiting the U.S.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

I love seeing what our team comes up with each year as they compile TSA’s Top 10 Best Catches, and this year’s video doesn’t disappoint. This is a testament to the hard work of our officers across the country, who work every day to keep travelers safe. This is also a great reminder for travelers to always start their packing with an empty bag (or in the case of our top catch, an empty stroller) so you know there are no prohibited items inside.

[TSA @TSA]

BREAKING NEWS: TSA’s Top 10 Best Catches of 2024 are trending! While most people are dropping their list of what was HOT last year… we’re here with a list of what was NOT (prohibited items).

Check it out: https://t.co/PrTpxihPht

[TSA @TSA]

BREAKING NEWS: TSA screened nearly 39M individuals from Dec 19 through Jan 2, 2025, during our busiest end of year holiday travel period ever. For the entire year of 2024, TSA officers screened a record 904M individuals at airport checkpoints around the country. Go #TeamTSA!

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

We closed out winter holiday travel with record-breaking numbers. I commend the @TSA workforce for their teamwork and vigilance in the midst of challenges they face each day. Thank you, #TeamTSA for an incredible job well done and thanks to our airport and airline partners for your continued partnership.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

I am proud each and every day to serve alongside a team of dedicated professionals in #TeamTSA. Despite the challenges they face each day, their vigilance and steadfast focus on protecting our nation’s transportation systems allowed us to reach this milestone of screening over 900M individuals in a single year. I thank them for all they do to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation security, as well as enhance the customer experience.

[TSA @TSA]

BREAKING NEWS: As of Monday, December 30, #TeamTSA has surpassed screening 900 million individuals at TSA airport security checkpoints, representing an approximate increase of about 5% over the 858M individuals screened in all of 2023. (1/2)

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

We’re projecting consistently high travel volumes through January 2nd as travelers return home from their holiday travels. As always, remember to arrive at the airport early & know that our teams are working hard to keep our aviation system secure. If you have any travel questions, just reach out to @AskTSA for assistance.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

TSA extends its deepest condolences to the Carter family on the passing of President Jimmy Carter. His unwavering dedication to service and humanity inspired generations, and his legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and compassion.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

Today, and through this weekend, we’re expecting high travel volumes across the country. I want to start by thanking #TeamTSA, and especially those who have taken time away from their loved ones this week to make sure our transportation systems are safe.

For those traveling, if you have any last-minute questions, you can always reach out to @AskTSA for answers. They’re available 365 days/year to help when you need it.

[David P. Pekoske @TSA_Pekoske]

I want to wish a very Merry Christmas and a happy start of Hanukkah to all who are celebrating today – and a joyous Kwanzaa beginning tomorrow.

This holiday season, it’s important to share our appreciation for those who make a difference in our lives. I couldn’t be more grateful to work alongside such a talented, driven, and caring team of people across @TSA.