Kip Hawley

Edmund Summers "Kip" Hawley III (November 10, 1953 – March 21, 2022) was an American government official and business executive who was administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, part of United States government's Department of Homeland Security, from July 27, 2005, to January 20, 2009. He replaced the previous Director, Rear Admiral David Stone. He was succeeded by Acting Administrator Gale Rossides.

Personal life Hawley was born on November 10, 1953, in Waltham, Massachusetts, and was raised in Winchester, Massachusetts, the son of Greta (Crocker), a homemaker, and Edmund Blair Hawley, a management consultant, venture capital executive, and educator. He received his bachelor's degree in political science from Brown University in 1976, and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1980. TWIC Testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee (10.31.07). Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (10.16.07). Improving Aviation Security (10.16.07). Keynote Address to the Aero Club of Washington (07.24.07).

Criticism As head of the TSA, Hawley was a focal point for public criticism relating to what many consider intrusive and ineffective security measures at American airports. In September 2006, in response to the new policies limiting the amounts of liquids and gels that passengers could carry on airplanes, Milwaukee resident Ryan Bird wrote "Kip Hawley is an Idiot" on a plastic bag given to passengers by airport security for those substances. As a result, he claims he was detained and told that the First Amendment did not apply to security checkpoints.

In April 2007, Bruce Schneier interviewed Hawley regarding TSA policies and practices. Later, Schneier demonstrated flaws in TSA measures by bringing a variety of objects which are classified by the TSA as dangerous through security and onto planes. Objects included box cutters and a plastic "beer belly" filled with unexamined liquid.

Hawley responded to this incident: "Clever terrorists can use innovative ways to exploit vulnerabilities. But don't forget that most bombers are not, in fact, clever. Living bomb-makers are usually clever, but the person agreeing to carry it may not be super smart. Even if 'all' we do is stop dumb terrorists, we are reducing risk."