Minnesota man accused of stripping off clothes, masturbating, and threatening TSA agents

MINNEAPOLIS (TCD) -- A 44-year-old man was charged with threatening TSA workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Friday, Nov. 12, after refusing to stop at the security line.

According to WCCO-TV, Frank Towers of Minneapolis swung and threw a stanchion line post toward Transportation Security Administration workers at a checkpoint area of the airport. He reportedly told agents he "did not have to stop" because "it’s a free country." He allegedly told one of the TSA workers that he was going to "kill" them.

The Star Tribune reports that Towers failed to comply with police orders, and officers shot him with a Taser. According to WCCO, in response, Towers allegedly began swinging his arms above his head, attempting to hit an officer. Backup officers handcuffed Towers, and he was reportedly taken into custody as he tried to fight them.

WCCO reports that obtained surveillance video reveals Towers punching and head-butting television screens at the airport, removing his clothes, and masturbating. The Star Tribune adds that he allegedly threw a chair as well. The recorded incidents reportedly happened an hour before the checkpoint threats.

According to the Star Tribune, Towers was charged with fourth-degree assault and threats of violence by the Hennepin County District Court. Both are classified felonies. Towers reportedly has three domestic assault charges in Olmsted County that are still pending. The Star Tribune reports that each case file notes that Towers suffers from mental illness.

Towers appeared in court on Monday and remains in jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. If convicted of the threats of violence charge, he could face five years in prison, according to WCCO.

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