SUBREDDIT: r/travel
TITLE: How would you handle this situation?
POST: In light of recent events, many travelers are on edge.  I choose not to let acts of terror affect my travel plans, but I do try to stay vigilant while in airports or high-traffic tourist areas.  During our trip through CDG yesterday, we encountered a very uncomfortable situation, and I am curious how any of you would have responded.

My wife and were waiting in a lengthy line at passport control (outside of the security checkpoint).  When we reached the middle of the line area, the man directly behind us set his carry-on bags down and ran up the escalator, leaving the area.  He did not say a word to anybody, simply left.  

A few people noticed the bags unaccompanied in the middle of a crowd, and alerted an airport employee.  She asked if the bags belonged to anyone.  At that point, I told her exactly what had happened and asked for the bags to be removed.  She nodded and walked away... 5 minutes pass, bags are still there... Most of the line is silent and very tense at this point.

I contemplated removing the bags myself, but I did not want to be detained, or worse.  The tension was palpable, before the man finally returned a few minutes later.  I was appalled that airport security did nothing.  

What would you have done?
TL;DR: 
Man left bags unattended in a crowded airport line, outside of security checkpoint.  Airport security did nothing when alerted.  What would you have done?