In a shocking event at one of the nation’s most bustling airports, a 21-year-old TSA worker, Janiyah Wilson-Robinson, got into trouble for supposedly “forcefully pushing” a 79-year-old lady at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. When this happened, the poor old lady was on her way to catch her JetBlue flight.
The local Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed Janiyah was arrested on Wednesday and had to pay $1,000 to get out on bond. She’s now facing a charge of aggravated battery on someone over 65, which is a big no-no under Florida law.
They have CCTV tapes, and nobody knows what started the argument. After the incident, the elderly traveler refused to go to the hospital. She got help at the airport, like an ice pack for a bruise on her forehead.
TSA agent arrested for allegedly attacking 79-year-old passenger at Florida airport. The 21-year-old agent forcefully pushed a 79-year-old woman to the ground, causing her to hit her forehead, a report said.https://t.co/vuhXmDxEFT pic.twitter.com/ZqPldKdrl5
— (Jason) Stands For Truth (@TrueJMitchell) June 15, 2025
The TSA didn’t waste any time and immediately put Janiyah on leave.
They said: “TSA holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and we do not tolerate behavior that violates these standards or the public’s trust. The individual has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their investigation.”
A Pattern of Violence Emerges at Airports
While shocking, this incident isn’t isolated. Across the U.S., confrontations between TSA agents and passengers (or vice versa) are becoming more visible as air travel rebounds post-pandemic. In 2023, another case at Indianapolis International Airport saw a dramatic reversal of roles: a TSA agent became the victim of a grotesque assault.
George Stevens, 38, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after committing a lewd and violent outburst against security staff. According to federal prosecutors, Stevens dropped his pants during a pat-down, exposed himself in front of travelers (including children), and pressed his underwear against a TSA supervisor’s face.
He then advanced toward the officer n-ked before being arrested.
The Justice Department labeled Stevens’ actions as “lewd and violent behavior towards security staff,” making it clear that such behavior towards government workers won’t be put up with.
Federal agencies reacted quickly, like the FBI and the local U.S. Attorney’s Office. Special Agent Herbert Stapleton put it bluntly, saying, “This sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal acts against those who serve and safeguard the public.”
TSA Under Pressure Amid Rising Incidents
These two cases, one with a federal officer supposedly going after a traveler who couldn’t protect themselves, and another where a passenger lost it and attacked TSA folks, show us how much tension there is at airports today. With so many people going through security daily, the chances for something to go wrong or someone to mess up are slim.
Aviation specialists say the situation is important. The way every single airline worker deals with people makes a huge difference. It’s not just about one person losing their cool; it’s about how it affects everyone’s trust in the TSA.
TSA agent charged in connection with an assault on an elderly woman at Florida airport https://t.co/bKxsoJaDv1
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) June 14, 2025
Civil rights advocates are worried about how well the people in federal airport security systems are being held accountable. The TSA says they do regular checks on people’s backgrounds and give them the right training, but others think there should be more openness and more checks by people who don’t work for the government, especially when it comes to those who are supposed to keep everyone safe.
What happened with Wilson-Robinson is still being investigated. She’s not in jail right now because she posted bail, but the cops are reviewing the videos from the airport and talking to witnesses. If found guilty, she might have to go to jail and lose her job with the government.
These days, there is more news about fights at airports, whether started by passengers or airport staff.
