TSA catches loaded handgun at Bradley International Airport

Local Press Release
Thursday, April 18, 2019

HARTFORD, Conn. – A Hartford County, Connecticut, man was arrested this morning, April 18, after Transportation Security Administration officers at Bradley International Airport (BDL) stopped him from bringing a loaded handgun onto an airplane. It marked the second gun caught at the airport’s checkpoint so far this year.  

TSA officers, who spotted the gun in the checkpoint X-ray machine, contacted the Connecticut State Police, who arrived at the checkpoint, confiscated the gun and detained the man, a resident of Granby, Connecticut, for questioning before arresting him on state weapons charges. The man was carrying a .22-caliber handgun loaded with five bullets.    

The traveler told TSA officials that he was using the same bag he uses when he goes camping and he forgot that his loaded gun was in the bag.

Nationwide last year, 4,239 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, averaging about 11.6 firearms per day, approximately a 7% increase nationally in firearm discoveries from the total of 3,957 detected in 2017. Eighty-six percent of firearms detected at checkpoints last year were loaded and nearly 34% had a bullet in the chamber.

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 addition, TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,000 for weapons violations. 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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