This 9mm was the second firearm detected at a New Hampshire airport in 2025. (TSA Photo)
MANCHESTER, N.H. – On Wednesday, April 9, TSA officers at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) intercepted a loaded firearm during routine passenger security screening. The firearm was discovered in a male passenger’s carry-on bag during Wednesday morning’s screening process.
Upon detection, TSA officers immediately alerted the Londonderry Police Department (LPD), who responded promptly and took possession of the loaded 9mm firearm. The 45-year-old male passenger stated he had forgotten the weapon was in his possession.
“TSA's mission is to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. Bringing a loaded firearm through a security checkpoint poses a serious safety risk and can cause delays or shut down lanes,” said Elizabeth Selecky, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Hampshire. “There are clear and straightforward rules for flying with firearms, and we encourage passengers to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to avoid delays, fines, and potential legal consequences."
This marks the first firearm detection at MHT in 2025 and the second firearm discovery at a New Hampshire airport this year. So far in 2025, TSA officers have detected 15 firearms at New England airports: 6 at Boston Logan (BOS), 2 at Portland International Jetport (PWM), 2 at Burlington International Airport (BTV), 2 at T.F. Green Airport (PVD), 1 at Bradley International Airport (BDL), 1 at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), and 1 at Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB).
Firearms at TSA checkpoints represent an unnecessary risk and an expensive mistake for passengers who do not follow requirements to declare firearms in advance and properly pack them in checked baggage.
TSA has announced several new measures to mitigate firearm threats including enhanced screening for passengers in possession of a firearm at a TSA checkpoint and loss of TSA PreCheck® eligibility for up to five years. In December 2022, TSA also increased the maximum civil penalty for a firearms violation to nearly $15,000.
The complete list of penalties is posted online. Firearms are not permitted in the passenger cabin of an airplane; this includes travelers with a concealed weapon permit.
Airline passengers can fly with firearms in checked baggage if the firearms are properly packed and declared at check-in. However, firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA advises travelers to familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure to ensure they transport guns in accordance with applicable laws.
Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport.
Where local firearm possession laws permit, passengers may travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a locked hard-sided case. Ammunition must be in its original box and can be packed inside the hard-side case next to the firearm. Even if the box of ammunition is not full, the bullets must be in their original case. The passenger must present the case with the firearm at the airline check-in counter and inform the airline representative of their intention to travel with the gun. Firearms are transported with checked baggage and are placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
Visit the TSA website for details on traveling properly with a firearm.