Representatives Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) took to social media to blast Congressional Democrats for shutting down the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amidst long wait times and a recent near-terror attack in New York City.
Airports nationwide are struggling to process travelers through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, with some airports reporting wait times of up to 3 hours, particularly as many areas celebrate spring break.
"Thank your nearest Senate Democrat. They shut down TSA three weeks ago," Rep. Crane wrote on social media in a post responding to NBC anchor Garrett Haake.
Rep. Crane emphasized the point further in a response to Rapid Response 47, a Trump White House X account, writing, "The game being played by Senate democrats is risky and needlessly messing with the lives of everyday Americans. Arizonans are sick of it."
Rep. Gosar added, "If the TSA checkpoint at the airport feels longer than a Democrat's filibuster, you can thank Democrats for shutting down the government," likely referencing Senator Cory Booker's (D-NJ) record-long 25-hour filibuster last March.
Crane responded to a weekend incident in New York City, wherein two young men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were charged with throwing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Gracie Mansion, the traditional Mayor's residence. The attack was allegedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS) during an anti-Islamist demonstration led by influencer Jake Lang.
"Senate Democrats should end their politically motivated shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security," the Arizona congressman posted.
In another weekend incident, Southwest Airlines Flight 2094, which was en route from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale, was forced to make an emergency landing in Atlanta due to a bomb threat at approximately 9 pm Friday night.
SWAT officers apprehended an "Arabic-looking" man, as described by conservative journalist and activist Laura Loomer.
However, no credible threat was found, no charges were filed, and passengers were able to finish the flight to Fort Lauderdale.
