TSA workers asked to return $1,000 gift cards given out by Tyler Perry

Transportation Security Administration workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were asked to return gift cards distributed by representatives of Tyler Perry, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

Sources said Perry initially went to the airport with cash in an effort to provide financial assistance to TSA workers, who have been working without pay for several weeks amidst an ongoing government shutdown. He was told that federal rules prohibit TSA employees from accepting direct cash gifts.

Members of Perry’s team later returned with gift cards after reaching out to airport officials about alternative ways to help.

Over the weekend, TSA workers who received the gift cards were contacted and told they would need to return them, sources said. The gift cards were valued at $1,000 each, according to those familiar with the distribution.

Sources told 11Alive the gift was a huge morale booster at the airport, as he tried to ease some of the financial strain on workers during the government shutdown. Perry tried to hand out money on Thursday, but that was denied immediately due to the rules on certain restrictions.

Sources said representatives for Perry worked through management, human resources and legal channels before returning to the airport to distribute the gift cards to TSA employees. However, the airport’s federal security director later raised concerns about the distribution, according to those familiar with the situation. Sources noted the development has created challenges for some workers, as portions of the funds may have already been used.

They will now be forced to hand back any gift cards they received from Perry.