TSA Investigating After Kanye West, Kim Kardashian Shortcut JFK Security Check
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Someone has got some explaining to do after apparently allowing the celebrity duo dubbed "Kimye" to bypass security at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The Transportation Security Administration said it's investigating a breach of security protocol involving Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
Kardashian and West landed at JFK on Tuesday from Brazil and went through customs.
Then an American Airlines employee apparently took them through a "back way," bypassing security in order to help them make their connecting domestic flight.
TSA officers learned what happened, caught up with Kardashian and West at the gate and screened them for contraband in the jetway, causing a delay of almost an hour.
"This was a lapse in judgment by one of our employees. We're working closely with the TSA and speaking to the individuals involved to better understand what happened. The flight in question departed JFK an hour late. It was delayed in part because of this issue and in part because a number of connecting bags were late arriving to the aircraft," American Airlines said in a statement.
A source at the TSA said Kardashian and West did nothing wrong, but the American Airlines representative who took them past security didn't follow regulations and now is under investigation.
Travelers were stunned to hear about the security breach, and were disgusted to find out it involved celebrity special treatment.
"What if there's a terrorist out there's that's famous and nobody knows about and they get off easy?" Erikka Suarez of the Bronx told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez.
"Celebrities can be anything. They can be criminals, too," added Mandel Perodin of East Hampton.
"We should take this very seriously considering, you know, circumstances around the world. A lot of crazy stuff is happening," said Tahir Mahmmod of Chester, N.Y.
"I'm sure that they're not the only ones who get treated like that. If you have a familiar face you want to give extra service ... I'm sure there are people who aim to do that," tourist Riikka Hoppu said.
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