TSA at Hollywood Burbank Airport discovers two firearms in past week

Both firearms discovered in carry-on luggage
Local Press Release
Thursday, September 8, 2022
TSA officers at BUR discovered this .380 caliber handgun Wednesday, August 31 in the carry-on luggage of a traveler headed to OAK.

BURBANK, Calif. - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) have found two firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in the past week during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on luggage at the security checkpoints.
 
The first firearm, a .380 caliber handgun loaded with five rounds of ammunition, was discovered in the carry-on bag of a female traveler ticketed for travel to Oakland International Airport (OAK). This discovery occurred around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31. 

TSA officers discovered the second firearm Wednesday, September 7 around 1:10 p.m. in the carry-on bag of a male traveler headed to San Francisco International Airport. The handgun, a 9 mm Glock, was loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. 

TSA officers at BUR discovered this .9mm Glock handgun Wednesday, September 7 in carry-on luggage of traveler headed to SFO.
TSA officers at BUR discovered this .9mm Glock handgun Wednesday, September 7 in carry-on luggage of traveler headed to SFO.

Upon discovery of each firearm, TSA notified officers with the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Police Department, who responded to the security checkpoint and interviewed the travelers. The person who brought the firearm on August 31 had an outstanding warrant and was arrested on a state charge. The traveler who brought the firearm on September 7 was allowed to continue on his travels, was cited on a local charge and law enforcement confiscated his weapon. 

These are the eighth and ninth firearms discovered by TSA officers in carry-on luggage at BUR in 2022. This matches the number of firearms detected at the security checkpoint in all of 2021 when nine guns were found at BUR.

In addition to these two firearm discoveries, TSA officers also discovered two magazines loaded with seven and eight rounds of 9 mm ammunition respectively in carry-on luggage. The traveler was flying to OAK. TSA notified airport law enforcement officers and they interviewed the traveler who was eventually allowed to continue on his travels without the ammunition in his carry-on luggage. 

TSA reminds travelers to be aware of the contents of their bag to ensure they are not bringing firearms, ammunition or any other prohibited items in carry-on luggage.

“No traveler, at any time, for any reason, should bring a firearm or ammunition in their carry-on luggage to the security checkpoint. Doing so will result in law enforcement notification, citations and potential arrest. It also slows the security screening process for the traveler and everyone around them in the security checkpoint,” said TSA Federal Security Director at BUR Anita Minaei. “We have said it before, but it is worth repeating: firearms and ammunition should be packed properly for travel in checked baggage, every single time. For those who choose not to follow the rules, I am grateful that TSA officers here and around the country remain vigilant, ensuring firearms and any other potential security threat do not make it into the cabin of the aircraft.”

TSA reviews the circumstances of firearm incidents and can levy a civil penalty against a traveler. The recommended civil penalty for a first-time violator who brings a firearm in carry-on luggage starts at $3,000 and can go up to the statutory maximum of more than $10,000 per violation. TSA evaluates each incident on a case-by-case basis.
 
In addition to civil penalties, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense, and if there is a repeated history of violations.

Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.

At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger should go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements. 

More information on traveling legally with a firearm is available on TSA’s website. For information on how to travel with any type of item, visit TSA’s “Can I Bring” website.

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