TSA officers prevent man from bringing loaded gun onto flight at Philadelphia International Airport

A Florida man was arrested by police on Wednesday, April 12, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Philadelphia International Airport prevented the man from bringing his handgun onto a flight. The .380 caliber gun was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber. The man’s backpack also contained six additional bullets that were tucked into his carry-on bag near the firearm.

The gun was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag, which was removed by the local police who confiscated the gun and arrested the man on weapons charges. The man told officials that he mistakenly left the gun in his backpack.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) | Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

In addition to the arrest, he also faces a stiff financial civil penalty.  The penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000 depending on the circumstances.

“The spring travel season is busy here in Philadelphia and our TSA officers are focused on ensuring that travelers do not bring prohibited or illegal items with them through the checkpoints,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. I’m grateful that our officers here in Philadelphia and nationwide remain focused during this busy travel season. I hope that this incident will serve as a reminder to others who own a firearm to review proper procedures on how to pack a gun for a flight. Firearms should never be brought to the security checkpoint in carry-on luggage.”

Passengers are only permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage.  Firearms must be unloaded then packed in a hard-sided locked case.  The locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.

Original source can be found here