And for reasons (and with results) that are, of course, too important to share with the American public, because, y'know, TERRORISTS!
I did like this bit:
'T.S.A. officials would not say if the VIPR teams had ever foiled a terrorist plot or thwarted any major threat to public safety, saying the information is classified. But they argue that the random searches and presence of armed officers serve as a deterrent that bolsters the public confidence.'
I.e., "security theater" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_theater).
Reshared post from +Kevin Underhill
Complete bullshit.
T.S.A. Expands Duties Beyond Airport Security
With little fanfare, the agency best known for airport screenings has vastly expanded its reach to public events. Not everyone is happy.