Report: Former Presidential Candidate Says She Was Placed On Terror Watch List After Confronting Kamala

Iraq War veteran, former congresswoman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard alleges that she was on the terror watch list as part of the “Quiet Skies” program.

One of the first to report the bombshell claims was former Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), who tweeted: “On Jul. 23, a day after my friend Tulsi Gabbard criticized Kamala Harris; a plainclothes TSA Supervisor, three Federal Air Marshals and other officials began following Tulsi on all of her flights placing her in the Feds' secret “Quiet Skies” program. Tulsi ended Kamala's campaign once, maybe Kamala is worried Tulsi would do it again.”

Searching for additional information to corroborate the claims, journalist Matt Taibbi contacted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Here's how they replied:

Before publishing Wednesday's interview with former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, I sent a query to the Transportation Security Administration. Was it true Gabbard was placed under surveillance via its “Quiet Skies” program? If so, why? If not, why did she receive “Quad-S” security designations? Was the firm Empower Oversight wrong to claim the TSA commenced a retaliatory investigation into identities of whistleblowers?

A reply, attributable to a TSA Spokesperson, has come in:

TSA uses multi-layered security processes to protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA's Quiet Skies program uses a risk-based approach to identify passengers and apply enhanced security measures on some domestic and outbound international flights. To safeguard sensitive national security measures, TSA does not confirm or deny whether any individual has matched to a risk-based rule. These rules are applied to a limited number of travelers for a limited period of time. Simply matching to a risk-based rule does not constitute derogatory information about an individual. Quiet Skies is further described here in the Secure Flight Privacy Impact Assessment. 

More to come.

The “Quiet Skies” program is a domestic surveillance initiative operated by the TSA within the United States. Launched in 2010, the program initially focused on monitoring U.S. citizens and foreign visitors entering the country. However, in recent years, it has expanded to track individuals traveling domestically, including those who are not suspected of any criminal activity or on any terrorist watchlist.

The program involves air marshals observing travelers' behavior, such as whether they avoid eye contact, fidget or use their cell phones. These observations are recorded, and the individuals may be flagged for additional scrutiny or placed on a list for future monitoring. The criteria for selection in this program are not fully disclosed, leading to concerns about the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory targeting.

Critics of “Quiet Skies” argue that it may violate civil liberties and privacy rights, particularly because it surveils individuals who have not been accused or suspected of wrongdoing. They also question the effectiveness of the program, given that it targets travelers without known ties to terrorism. Proponents, however, argue that it is a necessary precaution to prevent potential threats from going unnoticed.

The existence of the “Quiet Skies” program became widely known in 2018 when it was reported by major news outlets, sparking debate over its implications for privacy and security. The TSA has defended the program as part of its broader efforts to ensure the safety of air travel, although it has faced legal challenges and calls for greater transparency.

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