A New Jersey woman was taken into custody at Philadelphia International Airport on August 15 after she attempted to bring a loaded gun through a security checkpoint. TSA officers at the airport spotted the .22 caliber pistol in the woman's carry-on items during an X-ray screening process. Local police were promptly notified, leading to the weapon's confiscation and the woman's arrest on a weapon charge.
Gerardo Spero, the Federal Security Director for TSA at the airport, emphasized the risks involved with such actions. "Bringing a firearm to an airport security checkpoint introduces an unnecessary security risk to our officers and to fellow travelers," Spero stated, as reported by TSA's press release. He went on to explain the proper protocol for flying with firearms, which requires them to be unloaded, packed in locked hard-sided cases, and declared at the airline check-in counter.
According to the TSA, carrying a gun to an airport checkpoint can result in a federal civil penalty, with fines potentially reaching into the thousands of dollars, contingent on the circumstances of the violation. The federal agency reserves the right to impose such penalties even if an individual possesses a concealed carry permit, as these do not extend to the passage through airport checkpoints.
Travelers need to be aware of the varying firearm possession laws across different states and localities, and the TSA urges individuals to familiarize themselves with these before traveling. Additionally, airlines may have their own specific regulations when it comes to transporting firearms and ammunition. For those uncertain about how to properly transport firearms and ammunition, or any other items, the myTSA app provides a "What can I bring?" feature to assist travelers in understanding TSA regulations. Those without access to the app can also inquire directly through TSA's social media channels or by texting the word "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872) for further assistance.
