Richmond airport refuses to show TSA video blaming Democrats for government shutdown

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Airports across America have their eyebrows raised over a U.S. Department of Homeland Security TSA video blaming congressional Democrats for the government shutdown.

When travelers came through TSA checkpoints at Richmond International Airport (RIC) on Wednesday morning, they did not see the video, due to the airport's local, state and federal concerns, according to an RIC spokesperson.

In a prerecorded video, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem takes the podium and explains airport security. Then, it takes a turn as she criticizes Democrats.

"Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government — and because of this — many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government," Secretary Noem said.

The RIC spokesperson considers the video "controversial," where other airports like Seattle-Tacoma, JFK and LaGuardia share the same sentiment and are not showing Secretary Noem's remarks because of policies against partisan messaging.

Two travelers at RIC on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 15 said one person or group cannot be blamed.

"I blame them all. So, I don't blame the Democrats or the Republicans individually. I blame everyone for putting ourselves in a situation where we aren't paying people that are doing hard work," said George Lacy before leaving RIC for an international trip.

"You can't really place blame. We all need to work together," added Genevieve Goodwin, who is flying from RIC to attend an Formula One racing event.