Newly released surveillance footage shows the chaotic moment a man burst through a TSA checkpoint at an Atlanta airport, only to be stopped by a fast moving bystander who tackled him to the ground within seconds.
Suspect Rushes Past TSA Agents In Morning Breach
Authorities released the footage through a public records request, revealing the incident that unfolded on the morning of Oct. 30 at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The video shows 40 year old Fabian Leon charging toward a TSA checkpoint before attempting to force his way inside. He was later charged with simple battery and avoiding security measures.
As seen in the footage, Leon rushes forward and shoves past an officer. The agent falls to the floor as Leon stumbles over him.
Bystander Reacts Instantly After Hearing A Warning
Moments later, a TSA officer reportedly shouted “breach,” a warning that immediately caught the attention of bystander Mark Thomas. Without hesitation, Thomas spun around and sprinted toward Leon.
He lunged forward, wrapped his arms around the suspect, and lifted him off the ground before slamming him down in a single powerful motion.
“I saw him knock over the first dude and then a TSA agent tried to grab him, and once he was going to get past me, I was just like, okay, I’ll just take over if I can,” Thomas said.
Suspect Appeared Detached And Soft Spoken
Once pinned, Leon acted unexpectedly calm according to the bystander. Thomas recalled that the man did not resist in a frantic way. Instead, he spoke quietly and repeatedly insisted he was fine.
“He was very soft-spoken. He just kept saying, ‘Oh, I’m okay, I’m okay, let me up, let me up, I’m okay’,” Thomas said. “It’s like, kind of clear, that he was sort of detached from the entire situation.”
Authorities later said Leon admitted to consuming alcohol and drugs shortly before the confrontation.
Officers Detain Suspect After Struggle
According to officials, Leon was eventually secured after they restrained him in a chair at the scene. During the struggle, police reported that three officers were assaulted.
While the situation ended quickly thanks to Thomas stepping in, he believes the airport should have more officers posted at checkpoints.
“I think more police presence should have probably been there, it shouldn’t have taken me to take him down,” Thomas said. “I don’t know how many checkpoints or people he got passed before that.”
