Police arrested a Las Vegas man after Transportation Security Administration agents found a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag. Airport police apprehended the passenger at Newark International Airport on March 17th.The handgun was spotted by TSA personnel monitoring the security checkpoint. The TSA agents alerted airport police, who then, in turn, arrested the passenger on weapons charges. The passenger in question claimed he forgot the gun was in his carry-on bag. Thomas Carter, the TSA Federal Security Director for New York, said,

“If you own a firearm, you need to be aware of where it is. That’s simply part of being a responsible gun owner. He has been arrested, but he faces a stiff deferral financial penalty. It was a costly mistake to make”.

Penalties

Being found in possession of a firearm by TSA will result in fines and referral to local law enforcement for further investigation. The acceptable amount depends on what firearm or related item you are caught with. According to the TSA, unloaded firearms can land you with a fine of up to $2,475, while a loaded gun can land you a fine of up to $13,910. Both situations can also result in a criminal referral. Further penalties can also be imposed by local law enforcement.

Fines can even apply to passengers with a concealed carry permit as it does not allow for the firearm to be carried onto an aircraft.

Slip throughs

Although rare, there have been reports of passengers getting to their destination without realizing that their weapon was never confiscated by TSA agents. ABC News reported in 2010 that a businessman passing through security at Houston Airport boarded an international flight and, upon arriving at his destination, found his Glock pistol in his computer bag.

Federal agencies carry out a covert check of airport security by trying to see what they can get past airport security. While the exact results of these checks are a closely guarded secret, it has been reported that at Newark Airport, TSA screeners failed to detect weapons 20 out of 22 times.

Unusual Confiscations

In 2021 the TSA confiscated approximately 5,900 firearms, 86% of which were loaded. It’s not just firearms that the TSA has had to confiscate. The TSA has reported some of the more unusual catches their agents have had to confiscate. These items include a chainsaw at New Orleans International Airport, a meth burrito at Hobby International Airport in Texas, and Bear Spray at Design-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Firearm possession laws vary by each state. Passengers should always check their carry-on before travel to ensure they have not inadvertently left a firearm inside. Travelers can also contact their airline should they have further questions about traveling with guns and ammunition.