Travelers Spent Nine Hours In TSA Line As Major Hub Becomes DHS Shutdown Flashpoint

Some travelers spent as many as nine hours waiting in line at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday, according to WSB-TV.

On Monday, the report noted that wait times ranged from four hours down to less than an hour depending on the time of day, as Americans continue to grow frustrated with the high number of TSA callouts. Essential DHS workers, like TSA agents, are forced to work without a paycheck due to the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

“Due to TSA staffing constraints, ATL is continuing to see longer than normal wait times at security checkpoints,” the airport posted to X on Monday morning.

“Travelers are encouraged to arrive at least 4 hours early. We appreciate your patience and thank our federal and airport partners for their continued dedication,” the post continued.

According to Reuters, the Atlanta airport had a 41.5% callout rate for TSA agents, with other major airports having callout rates ranging from 20-40%. Hundreds of agents have quit their jobs entirely since the shutdown began in mid-February.

“As the Democrats’ DHS shutdown continues, many TSA officers are facing extraordinary financial hardship—forcing them to call out of work and take on side jobs to support their families,” the Department of Homeland Security posted to X on Monday regarding the callout numbers. “Democrats are hurting Americans—and they don’t care.”

Videos on social media also showed ICE agents deployed to assist TSA agents at the airport, along with other airports around the country, on Monday morning in hopes of speeding up the lines. Atlanta is considered the busiest airport in the entire country, as it is a hub for Delta Air Lines and is considered a major connection for travelers.

Trump noted on Monday morning that ICE agents will not be wearing masks at the airport, as it’s become commonplace for the agents to do so during immigration operations, as proponents argue that it prevents doxing.

“I am a BIG proponent of ICE wearing masks as they search for, and are forced to deal with, hardened criminals, many of whom were let into our Country by Sleepy Joe Biden and his wonderful ‘Border Czar,’ Kamala (she never even went to the Border!), through their absolutely INSANE Open Border Policy,” he posted to Truth Social.

“I would greatly appreciate, however, NO MASKS, when helping our Country out of the Democrat caused MESS at the airports, etc. Thank you!” he added.

It’s unclear when the shutdown will end, as Congress has yet to reach a deal to end the closure, which started because of disagreements over federal immigration enforcement policies.

WATCH: ‘Reacher’ Star Caught On Video Repeatedly Punching Neighbor In Front Of Kids

“Reacher” star and outspoken Trump critic Alan Ritchson was allegedly caught on video getting into a fight with his neighbor.

The video originally shared on TMZ shows a man identified as Ritchson punching another man, reported to be a neighbor, as two children perch on motorized vehicles nearby. The actor’s neighbor then spoke with the outlet to give his side of the story. 

Ronnie Taylor said it all started on Saturday when he told Ritchson to slow down while driving his motorcycle, noting how he had been “revving and speeding through the neighborhood.” Taylor said he did not realize his neighbor was a Hollywood star when he confronted him.

Taylor said he approached Ritchson the following day, Sunday, after the actor sped by twice and told him he needed to stop, which is what led to the physical fight that was caught on film.

“It escalated quite quickly from there,” the Tennessee resident noted. “I did push [Ritchson] because he was coming towards me on his bike,” Taylor added. He said after pushing him a second time, Ritchson got off his bike and “kicked the crap” out of him.

🚨🎥 EXCLUSIVE: “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson might’ve thought he was still shooting an episode of his popular show Sunday, because he allegedly beat the hell out of a neighbor in Tennessee. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ljz3oEFGI0

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 23, 2026

He shared a video statement with TMZ, which showed facial injuries he allegedly sustained from the incident. “I don’t wish the guy any malice or ill will,” he added. “We just don’t need people riding through neighborhoods like this, and I just decided … I’m gonna take a stand.”

The outlet noted that sources allegedly connected to Ritchson disagree with this version of the story, saying that Taylor ran toward the “Reacher” actor in an “aggressive manner” before the altercation got physical.

The sources further stated that Taylor pushed Ritchson, which led to him crashing his motorcycle and sustaining minor injuries.

Law enforcement has not provided any further details other than to say the investigation is ongoing, as Fox News reported.

Ritchson, who is also vocal about his Christian faith, went viral for defamatory comments he made about President Trump while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024.

“I’m a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do. Love other people until death. It doesn’t mean we’re all to be hung on a cross, but how can I suffer for you? That is a beautiful thing,” he told the outlet, going on to describe how he felt about the president.

“Trump is a rapist and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to treat him like he’s their poster child and it’s unreal. I don’t understand it,” the actor said. “Christians today have become the most vitriolic tribe. It is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do.”

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