The world’s busiest airport has become a magnet for violent panhandlers and vagrants and things continue to get worse.
From panhandlers punching travelers in the face (both inside and outside the airport) to domestic airport terminals becoming a new sleeping station for the homeless, travelers flying into or out of Atlanta are shocked at what the airport has become.
But instead of fixing the problem, airport officials are in denial – so we’re here to tell you the real deal in Atlanta.
Increased Aggression
In the past, beggars would simply sit outside with a sign and tin can and travelers had the choice to either ignore them or throw in a few bucks or a sandwich.
But now the game has changed and panhandlers at the Atlanta airport have become so aggressive, they are physically assaulting travelers.
One woman was outside the airport near the line waiting to grab a cab or shuttle when some random guy lying on a bench came up to her — and punched her in the face.
The woman received a black eye and told Fox5 she had no plans to return to Atlanta anytime soon.
Can you blame her?
They’re Coming Inside Too
But it’s not just outside the airport you need to worry about.
Panhandlers are becoming bolder and no longer remain outside… they are actually coming into the airport and attacking passengers.
Fox News recently reported the story of a 25-year-old man who was inside the airport near a Delta check-in… when suddenly a deranged panhandler walked into the airport and punched him in the mouth.
For no reason. Completely unprovoked.
It’s sheer madness a traveler should ever have to worry about getting assaulted in an airport.
TSA is quick to confiscate a toothpaste tube to “keep everyone safe” or steal your bottled water – yet there’s no control about violent beggars assaulting travelers.
Airport Officials In Denial
As a traveler, I actually do expect airport security to make sure I can safely walk around the airport without a violent vagrant physically punching me in the face.
And if I’m outside waiting for an Uber – I expect to not be attacked by some guy on a bench.
But of course, airport officials downplay the attacks and assure travelers everything is “safe” and claim felonies are decreasing.
However travelers are not stupid and they are quick to notice the massive problem in Atlanta.
One frequent traveler gave an account at how shocked she was when she arrived at Atlanta and saw homeless people all around the terminal… everywhere.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported:
“They were everywhere,” Martin-Dye said. “I’ve probably been in the airport more than 20 times in the last two years, and I can never remember it being the way it was last night… It was just really concerning to me.”
Be On Guard
So travelers, if you fly to or out of Atlanta, take note that things are extra crazy.
You might see a homeless guy urinating in the corner of an airport, or even worse, have one run up and try to punch you in the face.
Be on guard and extra alert.
No, you shouldn’t have to.
But let’s be honest – do you really trust airport security to keep you safe?
With the way things have been lately, I wouldn’t count on their protection.
Have you flown to or through Atlanta recently? What are your thoughts on the violent vagrants attacking passengers?
Tell us in the comments below and be sure to share this article with all your friends!