TSA discovers loaded firearm at Montgomery Regional Airport checkpoint

Archived Content

Please note that older content is archived for public record. This page may contain information that is outdated and may not reflect current policy or programs.

If you have questions about policies or procedures, please contact the TSA Contact Center.

Members of the news media may contact TSA Public Affairs.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Transportation Security Administration discovered a loaded firearm at the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) checkpoint this morning. 

At approximately 9 a.m., a loaded Kel-Tec 9mm handgun was discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag.

TSA immediately alerted local law enforcement, who took possession of the bag and escorted the passenger out of the checkpoint area.

While firearms may be transported in checked baggage (provided they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded), they are prohibited in carry-on bags.

TSA would like to remind passengers that it is important for them to thoroughly search their bags for any potential dangerous weapons or prohibited items before departing for the airport.

Safety is the first concern of the TSA, and having these items in bags that are traveling with you on the aircraft is dangerous to other travelers and can be easily mistaken as an intentional attempt to bring a prohibited item onto an aircraft. 

“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” said Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson. “Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”

This is the fourth firearm discovered by TSA officers at the MGM security checkpoint in 2018, matching the total found there in 2017.

In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/civil-enforcement

For more information about prohibited items, see the TSA porhibited items page on TSA.gov.

###