TSA catches fourth gun so far this month at Pittsburgh International Airport

Local Press Release
Thursday, January 23, 2020

PITTSBURGH –  A Missouri man was arrested at Pittsburgh International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officers stopped him with a .38 caliber handgun loaded with six bullets.

It was the fourth gun caught at the checkpoint in the first 23 days of the new year.

The gun was spotted by a TSA officer in a carry-on bag as it entered the checkpoint X-ray machine. TSA contacted the Allegheny County Police, which responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the revolver and detained the man for questioning prior to arresting him on a weapons charge.

TSA officers at Pittsburgh International Airport detected this loaded revolver at the Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoint on Jan. 23

When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. With the busy travel season in full swing, guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.

Nationwide last year, 4,432 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, averaging about 12.1 firearms per day, approximately a 5% increase nationally in firearm discoveries from the total of 4,239 detected in 2018. Eighty-seven percent of firearms detected at checkpoints last year were loaded.

As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. Even travelers with concealed firearm permits are not allowed to bring guns onto airplanes in their carry-on bags. If you’re a TSA Pre✓® member, then you could even lose your status. In addition, TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,333 for weapons violations. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100. The complete list of penalties is posted online.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies as they may have additional requirements.

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