The Transportation Security Administration is pushing back on a report about a secret surveillance program targeting travelers who are not suspected of a crime or have ties to terrorism. “Quiet Skies” is a program that has been in existence since 2010, but came under fire after a report this weekend by the Boston Globe. The Globe reported federal air marshals are tracking ordinary U.S. citizens and gathering information about their movements and behavior. TSA Public Affairs Assistant Administrator Michael Bilello confirms the program exists, and is necessary to protect against another “9/11-style attack,” but he said the idea that TSA is targeting ordinary Americans is “ridiculous.”Bilello added: “Average Americans would not come close to qualifying for inclusion in this program. The TSA did not comment on the checklist but defends this technique; Bilello said: “You’re being observed when you enter the airport.

Source: Fox News July 31, 2018 01:17 UTC