Maryland Man Indicted for Assaulting TSA Security Officers at Baltimore/Washington International Airport

Baltimore, Maryland - A Charles County, Maryland, man faces indictment in connection with an attack on two federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport.

Cornelius Queen, 32, is charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers and interfering with security screening personnel at the airport.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Jason Wimer, Acting Assistant Administrator for Investigations, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Chief Joseph Scott, Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MTAP).

According to the indictment, on April 2, 2026, Queen forcibly assaulted two TSA lead transportation security officers at a security screening checkpoint at BWI Airport. Queen also interfered with the federal officers' ability to perform their security duties. Additionally, according to surveillance video shown in court, prior to his alleged assault on the TSA officers, Queen also allegedly attacked a bystander and his two children. Queen also attempted to attack another bystander.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Queen faces a maximum of 18 years in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers and interfering with security screening personnel.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, TSA, and MTAP for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ty Pittinger who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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