A Montana Mines, W.Va., man was caught with a loaded 9 mm handgun at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday, Transportation Security Administration officers said.
It was the 35th gun found at the airport this year, surpassing the 34 guns that were found in 2018 and the 32 guns that were found in 2017, TSA officials said.
A TSA officer spotted the gun in the man’s carry-on bag as it entered the X-ray machine at the security checkpoint. It was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber.
The TSA contacted the Allegheny County Police Department. Officers responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and detained the man for questioning.
When someone brings a firearm to a security checkpoint, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until police can resolve the incident, officials said. With the busy travel season in full swing, guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.
Last year, 4,239 firearms were found in carry-on bags at security checkpoints across the country, an average of about 11.6 firearms per day. That’s an approximately 7% increase from the 3,957 firearms found in 2017. According to TSA, 86% of firearms found at checkpoints last year were loaded, and nearly 34% had a bullet in the chamber.
According to TSA, people who bring firearms to airport checkpoints 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.
TSA can 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. A complete list of penalties can be found online.
To see details on how to properly travel with a firearm, visit the TSA website.
