In the middle of the shutdown, the staffing of the TSA at the MSP airport decreases

Nationally, about 10% of TSA workers do not show up for work.

"Our employees make no concerted effort to stay away from work," said Minnesota federal safety director Cliff Van Leuven. "They went to work and we are extremely proud of it."

KSTP Government Closure Blanket

MSP airport again recorded the longest wait times in the country this weekend, 41 minutes Saturday.

Van Leuven said that the MSP's TSA already had a staff shortage before closing and that winter weekends tend to be busier than normal, as people travel to warmer destinations.

The average wait time at MSP Tuesday was about 15 minutes.

Officials acknowledge that the 650 TSA agents at the airport are frustrated to work without pay and without end.

"I'm afraid we will not be able to meet officers who are doing their best to juggle their personal lives with TSA, and I do not know how long it will last," Van Leuven said.

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Although the numbers are below normal, he said that security would remain the same.

"We will not compromise safety.Our officers will not compromise safety and if that means that the public may wait a little longer during these peak periods, it's the hard way reality of the current situation in this period of arrest, "said Mr. Van. Leuven said.

Airport officials told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that there is an emergency plan if the staffing levels of the TSA become too low. This would include the diversion of other workers to security checkpoints to facilitate the overall workflow by moving bins, giving instructions to travelers and providing for staff exits.

These workers would not be allowed to carry out security checks because, by law, only TSA officers can check pbadengers.