BUFFALO - An Erie County, New York, man was cited by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped him from bringing a loaded semi-automatic handgun onto an airplane at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport yesterday (March 16).
The Eden, New York, resident was caught with a.40 caliber handgun tucked in one of his carry-on bags. It was loaded with eight bullets.
When the TSA officer spotted the gun in the checkpoint x-ray machine, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police were contacted, responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and cited the man on local weapons charges. There was no impact to airport operations.
The traveler claimed that he forgot that he had a loaded gun with him.
As a reminder, firearms, firearm parts and ammunition-are not permitted in carry-on bags, but can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline. Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on TSA.gov. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
