TSA admits errors in searches of elderly women's medical devices

NEW YORK – The Transportation Security Administration says screeners at New York's Kennedy Airport violated procedures when they asked two elderly women to show them medical devices concealed beneath their clothing.

In letters to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and state Sen. Michael Gianaris, Homeland Security officials said screeners at the airport will get refresher training on how to handle passengers with medical conditions.

The action followed complaints by 85-year-old Lenore Zimmerman and 88-year-old Ruth Sherman that they were effectively strip-searched while traveling separately through the airport in November.

Zimmerman had to remove a back brace, which was put through an X-ray machine.

Screeners inspected Sherman's colostomy bag.

The federal officials apologized. They say the brace shouldn't have been X-rayed, and the bag didn't need to be inspected.