Air Marshals monitored Tulsi Gabbard in 2024, Rand Paul reveals

Senator Rand Paul disclosed that federal air marshals monitored Tulsi Gabbard during her flights in 2024, sparking concerns over privacy and government oversight.

During a congressional hearing, Senator Rand Paul revealed records showing that federal air marshals surveilled Tulsi Gabbard during her flights in 2024, raising significant privacy concerns.

The revelation came to light during a hearing on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) budget for the upcoming year.

Paul obtained documents confirming that Gabbard, now serving as the Director of National Intelligence, was subject to surveillance during her domestic travels. This information came to the forefront during a budget session with DHS Secretary Krisi Noem at Capitol Hill.

Gabbard's Surprising Experiences During Flights

The surveillance on Gabbard included detailed reports of her appearance and noted the number of electronic devices she carried on flights. Gabbard expressed alarm over the frequent and unusual security screenings she experienced at airports.

Gabbard recounted that each time she traveled, she underwent extensive screening procedures lasting up to 45 minutes. Her observations also included increased presence of air marshals and K-9 security teams, atypical for regular travelers.

According to Gabbard, these incidents have left a lasting impact on her perception of privacy, causing her to forever question potential government surveillance.

Implications Of The DHS Surveillance Activity

Paul expressed concerns over the TSA Quiet Skies program, which allows for the surveillance of U.S. citizens to assess behavior for possible threats. He criticized the unnecessary scrutiny faced by Gabbard, showcasing the broader implications of such surveillance measures.

"These documents confirm our suspicions," Paul stated, emphasizing that the monitoring of Gabbard was not an isolated incident but indicative of larger issues within DHS practices.

Paul praised the prior administration's efforts in halting government-facilitated censorship and questioned Noem on the extent of improper activities conducted by DHS personnel.

Noem's Response And Future Implications

Secretary Noem responded to Paul's inquiries by confirming the accumulation of thousands of documents related to censorship and surveillance activities. She assured that these documents would be released to the committee for further scrutiny.

Noem conveyed that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) had diverted from its primary mission, indicating that many staff members engaged in inappropriate activities.

This misallocation of responsibilities has led to staffing reductions as efforts are made to realign CISA with its intended purpose.

Ongoing Concerns Over Privacy And Oversight

Noem highlighted ongoing efforts to restore CISA's focus on its core mission, implying that surveillance and censorship were conducted without proper alignment to agency objectives. "We're making sure we’re exposing what CISA was doing," Noem asserted during the hearing.

The unfolding surveillance of Gabbard reflects broader concerns about privacy rights and governmental oversight in security procedures. This revelation by Paul has opened a dialogue about the balance between national security and individual privacy.

Fox News Digital reached out to the DHS for comments on these developments; however, no reply was given promptly. The attention drawn to these practices calls for an examination of policies that govern surveillance and the protection of citizens' rights.