It was a pilot who was ALSO a LEO.
have you seen an update to this story with more info?
Indeed, a Federal Flight Deck Officer, just as the story indicates.
They have to take a full week of training, and are deputized and sworn in as federal officers. From theTSA FFDO site:
FFDOs are considered Federal law enforcement officers only for the limited purposes of carrying firearms and using force, including lethal force, to defend the flight deck of an aircraft from air piracy or criminal violence.
FFDOs are not granted or authorized to exercise other law enforcement powers such as the power to make arrests, or seek or execute warrants for arrest, or seizure of evidence, or to otherwise act as Federal law enforcement outside the jurisdiction of aircraft flight decks. FFDOs are issued credentials to appropriately identify themselves to law enforcement and security personnel, as required in the furtherance of their mission.
FFDOs are issued firearms and other necessary equipment by TSA.
FFDOs are responsible for the readiness and daily security of their firearms, credentials and equipment.
FFDOs are authorized to transport secured firearms in any state for a flight on which they are flying to or from as approved by TSA as necessary for their participation and activities in the program.
So, was TSA deficient in training them, or was the pistol that they issued defective?