BOSTON - TSA officers at Logan International Airport (BOS) discovered a loaded firearm at the security checkpoint Wednesday morning.
The firearm was discovered at approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday, August 2. TSA officers spotted the loaded 9 mm firearm in a St. Louis-bound passenger’s carry-on luggage as it was screened at the checkpoint. When discovered, TSA immediately notified Massachusetts State Police who responded to the checkpoint to interview the individual and take possession of the firearm. The 28-year-old male passenger was arrested by Massachusetts State Police.
TSA reminds passengers that they are solely responsible for the contents of bags brought to the airport checkpoint.
Individuals who bring firearms to security checkpoints are referred to law enforcement and may be subject to criminal penalties by local law enforcement. TSA has the authority to imposes civil penalties of up to $12,000 for a single violation of a firearm brought to a security checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,000.
TSA continues to intercept firearms and other dangerous weapons at security checkpoints nationwide. The number of firearms detected at the checkpoint continues to rise nationwide. TSA discovered more than 2,650 firearms at checkpoints across the nation in 2015 and more than 3,390 firearms in 2016.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
