Airports: Not as Safe as You Think
by Jeff Young
Recent events at major airports — including Miami International (MIA) — remind us that “safe” places often aren’t. A teenage girl was brutally attacked and stabbed multiple times by a known violent offender inside the airport terminal, in an area outside TSA screening. The attacker, described as homeless with a long record of violent crime, targeted a defenseless traveler — precisely because airports disarm the law-abiding.
The suspect was arrested without resistance. The victim remains in critical condition. And once again, the headlines downplay the reality: this wasn’t a “random incident between two people who happened to be there.” It was a preventable attack made possible by broken policy and misplaced priorities.
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The uncomfortable truth
Airports, train stations, and other so-called “sensitive places” attract people who know travelers are unarmed and distracted. Modern airport policies, in the name of appearing “progressive,” have created soft targets — unsecured areas filled with unaware civilians who assume the presence of cameras, uniforms, and TSA lines means safety.
The harsh reality is this: the moment you step inside an airport, you are in one of the most target-rich, least-defensible public environments in America — especially outside the checkpoint.
There is no reasoning with someone in a violent mental crisis. There is no “give them what they want” solution when the attacker’s motive is chaos or destruction.
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Lessons from the incident
1. Move with purpose.
When visiting an airport, minimize your time inside. Get in, handle your task, and leave.
2. Get past security quickly.
The TSA-screened area, while not foolproof, is far safer than the unsecured public zones. Don’t linger in ticketing areas, baggage claims, or curbside drop-offs.
3. Stay alert and aware.
Airports create sensory overload — crowds, noise, and distractions. Don’t let that dull your instincts. Scan constantly and trust your intuition.
4. Blend in.
Avoid drawing attention through flashy dress, loud behavior, or public confrontation. The less you stand out, the safer you are.
5. Distance equals safety.
If you see a disturbance or someone behaving erratically, move away immediately. Don’t gawk or record. Put space between yourself and the unknown.
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Final thoughts
At Lone Pine Tactical, we teach that safety isn’t declared — it’s created. Your awareness, decisions, and preparedness matter more than any sign, policy, or promise of protection.
Airports will never be truly “secure.” But with the right mindset, you can make yourself far less vulnerable.
“Better to be an unpopular operator, than a victim at ease in a crowd.” — J. Carr
