TSA officers stop man with loaded handgun at Philadelphia International Airport checkpoint

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Local Press Release
Tuesday, December 4, 2018

PHILADELPHIA – A Delaware County, Pennsylvania, man was stopped by Transportation Security Administration officers at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) yesterday, Dec. 3, when they detected a handgun in the man’s carry-on bag.

The Wayne, Pennsylvania, resident was stopped at the checkpoint with the 9 mm handgun, which was loaded with 16 bullets, including one in the chamber. It marked the 25th gun caught by TSA officers at one of the airport checkpoints so far this calendar year.  

TSA contacted the Philadelphia Police Department, which responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and detained the man for questioning before arresting him on weapons violations.  

When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. Guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.

As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. Even travelers with concealed carry permits are not allowed to bring guns past TSA checkpoints. In addition, TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900. The complete list of penalties is posted online.

TSA’s website has details on how to properly travel with a firearm. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

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