Hawaii Lawmakers Demand TSA Explanation for Tulsi Gabbard’s Inclusion on Terrorist Watchlist
Some Hawaii lawmakers are demanding answers from the Director of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding the inclusion of former state congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on a suspected terrorist watchlist.
Representatives Gene Ward (R-Dist. 18), Diamond Garcia (R-Dist. 42), David Alcos (R-Dist. 41), and Elijah Pierick (R-Dist. 39) sent a joint letter to TSA Director David Pekoske on Sunday. In their letter, the Hawaii representatives questioned why Gabbard was added to the Quiet Skies Program watchlist without explanation. They also allege that air marshals have harassed Gabbard and her husband during multiple flights.
“Sir, please remember this is the United States of America, and you have yet to explain why such a damaging label has been attached to her name,” the representatives wrote. “As members of the Hawaii State House of Representatives, we strongly urge you to immediately remove her name from the Quiet Skies program or provide full public transparency on the TSA’s reasons for tarnishing her reputation.”
In an interview with Fox News, Gabbard shared that her experience changed drastically on July 23, the day she reportedly was added to the watchlist. She described undergoing extensive screening each time she traveled, with the process taking 30 to 45 minutes every time she went to the airport.
“The most profound pain and stress from this situation is that, from now on, I will always be looking over my shoulder, wondering if and how my government is surveilling me,” Gabbard stated.
Island News reached out to the TSA for comment. A spokesperson responded with the following statement: “TSA employs multi-layered security processes to protect the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. The Quiet Skies program uses a risk-based approach to identify passengers and apply enhanced security measures on some domestic and outbound international flights. To protect sensitive national security measures, TSA does not confirm or deny whether any individual has been flagged by a risk-based rule. These rules are applied to a limited number of travelers for a limited period of time. Simply matching a risk-based rule does not constitute derogatory information about an individual.”
Island News also contacted Gabbard’s campaign, receiving a statement from Gabbard herself: “This is clearly an act of political retaliation. It’s no coincidence that I was placed on the Quiet Skies list the day after I did a prime-time interview warning the American people about why Kamala Harris would be a poor choice for President and Commander in Chief. What hurts the most is that, like many Americans, I enlisted because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, deployed to war zones to target those terrorists, and have served in the U.S. Army for over 21 years—only to now find my government surveilling me as a potential domestic terrorist. The real pain lies in the stress of constantly looking over my shoulder, wondering if and how I am being monitored, what secret terror watch list I might be on, and the complete lack of transparency or due process. This isn’t just about me. Every American has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that right has been taken away from me and my family.”
According to the TSA’s website, the Quiet Skies Program was established in 2012 as a tool to enable the Federal Air Marshal Service to more efficiently deploy law enforcement resources, focusing on travelers who may present an elevated risk to aviation security.
Tulsi Gabbard is a significant political figure in Hawaii, known for her trailblazing role in state and national politics. Born on the island of American Samoa and raised in Hawaii, Gabbard made history in 2012 when she became the first Hindu and first Samoan-American elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. Prior to her time in Congress, she served in the Hawaii State Legislature, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to a U.S. state legislature at the age of 21.
Gabbard is also a military veteran, having served in the Hawaii Army National Guard. She deployed twice to the Middle East, which has significantly shaped her views on foreign policy and national security. Throughout her political career, she has been known for her independent stance on many issues, sometimes breaking ranks with her party, particularly on matters of war and peace.
In Hawaii, Gabbard is recognized not only for her groundbreaking achievements but also for her advocacy on behalf of veterans, environmental protection, and civil liberties. Her leadership has made her a well-respected figure in the state, where she is seen as a dedicated public servant with a deep commitment to her constituents and to the principles she stands for. Despite her decision not to seek re-election to Congress in 2020, she continues to be an influential voice both in Hawaii and on the national stage.
This shocking issue with TSA and Gabbard presents the question of legal action being taken as a means to solve this issue. There are many different types of lawyers, such as a honolulu personal injury attorney or a civil rights attorney, and partnering with the right type of legal help would help to sort out the issues with TSA and Tulsi Gabbard.
