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Statement by Secretary Johnson on Today's Visit to New Orleans

Release Date: March 27, 2015

For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010

Secretary Johnson meets with Transportation Security Officers and Jefferson Parish Deputies
On March 27, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson traveled to New Orleans to meet with the Transportation Security Officers and Jefferson Parish deputies involved in the attack last week at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. He thanked Transportation Security Officer Supervisor Carol Richel and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Heather Sylve for their prompt and decisive response to stop and apprehend the assailant.  DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

Today I visited with our Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel in New Orleans, including three who were at the scene of the attack, last Friday night, by a deranged man with a machete and other dangerous items.

One of our TSA officers, supervisor Carol Richel, was wounded in the attack, yet her first instinct after the incident was to secure her TSA inspection site. She also came to work the next day.

I was also pleased and honored to meet Lieutenant Heather Sylve of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office. Lieutenant Sylve's quick, decisive and professional action in putting the attacker down probably saved Carol's life, and most certainly prevented far worse damage and injury to many other people at the airport last Friday night. Lieutenant Sylve's heroic action is a shining example for all law enforcement in this country.

Likewise, the bravery and dedication of Carol Richel, Walter Johnson, Christopher Lucia and their TSA colleagues is inspiring, and a reminder of the importance of the contributions to aviation security that TSA makes every day.

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Last Updated: 09/23/2021
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