Agency reflects on quarter-century, future of protecting nation’s transportation systems
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting the nation’s transportation systems and staying ahead of evolving threats.
In response to the 9/11 attacks, TSA was created when President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act into law on November 19, 2001, to strengthen transportation security and restore confidence in the aviation system. The agency’s mission remains unchanged: to protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
“For 25 years, the men and women of TSA have carried out this mission with vigilance, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the American people,” TSA Administrator David P. Cummins said. “As we remember those we lost on September 11 and honor the service that followed, we also look ahead. The threats we face today are sophisticated and constantly evolving. TSA must modernize to defend against those threats. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we’ve launched the Horizon 25 Strategy to advance our capabilities across all modes of transportation to ensure 9/11 never happens again. Not on our watch.”
Over the past 25 years, TSA has evolved from a newly formed federal screening workforce into a sophisticated, intelligence-driven, risk-based security agency. Today, aviation security begins well before a passenger reaches the checkpoint and includes intelligence analysis and information sharing, passenger vetting, advanced screening technology, canine teams, Federal Air Marshals, inspectors and close coordination with airports, airlines, law enforcement and international partners.
Technology has transformed the checkpoint through TSA’s deployment of computed tomography, advanced imaging technology, credential authentication technology and facial comparison technology. TSA PreCheck® and other risk-based security initiatives help the agency focus resources where they provide the greatest security value while improving the passenger experience.
Beyond our airports, TSA is responsible for securing other modes of transportation, including ports, railways, and pipelines, as well as major events like America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
TSA’s approximately 60,000 employees remain at the center of the agency’s mission. Transportation security officers and other TSA professionals operate increasingly sophisticated technologies, help identify and respond to potential threats, and adapt as the threat environment changes.
Looking ahead, TSA will continue upgrading screening technology, strengthening identity management, expanding risk-based security and improving the passenger experience. The agency will also continue adapting to emerging threats, including cyber risks and unmanned aircraft systems, while strengthening partnerships across government and industry.
Twenty-five years after September 11, TSA’s mission endures: to stay ahead of evolving threats, keep transportation moving, and protect the freedom of movement for people and commerce that is fundamental to the American way of life. In honor of that legacy, TSA has launched a 25th anniversary commemorative website. We invite the public to visit TSA.gov for more information on our enduring mission.
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SOURCE Transportation Security Administration
