TSA: Uncharged electronic devices means you might be a Terrorist™

According to unnamed officials, TSA security measures have already prevented a gazillion deaths worldwide.

The Transportation Security Administration will require US-bound passengers traveling with electronic devices to turn them on in order to prove the devices are not actually cleverly disguised bombs. If a would-be passenger finds his or her electronic device out of battery power upon the inspection, he or she will be subject to additional screening.

From the TSA website:

Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.

As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers. During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.

TSA will continue to adjust security measures to ensure that travelers are guaranteed the highest levels of aviation security conducted as conveniently as possible.

While the TSA has not disclosed which international airports will be participating in the additional screening, it was reported last week that passengers at British airports traveling to the States are already dealing with extra checks on their phones. Britain's Department for Transport has said that devices with dead batteries would not be allowed on any flights.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, chairman of the UK parliament's intelligence and security committee, said the increased airport security measures were "unavoidable", due to the devilish technical skills employed by jihadi extremists who not only conceal explosives in mobile devices, but also in clothing and "other innocent objects".

Illustration of a terrorist employing devilish technical skills.

Like most American officials who support the continued molestation of free movement among the people in the name of Fighting Terrorism™, Rifkind makes vague claims to have extraneous intelligence of real threats that sadly cannot be made public. He also suggests draconian measures such as these have already prevented the death and mutilation of British citizens, while giving no examples.