Sioux City, Iowa - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered a loaded firearm at the security screening checkpoint today at Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX). This is the first firearm found at the SUX checkpoint this calendar year.
The.45 caliber Smith & Wesson was detected in a carry-on bag during checkpoint X-ray screening this morning. Per standard procedure, the Sioux City Police Department responded and an officer took possession of the weapon and interviewed the passenger. The passenger was later allowed to continue. Any determination about possible criminal charges is up to law enforcement.
“I would like to remind passengers that firearms are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints," said TSA Federal Security Director David Dailey. “Firearms can only be transported in a checked bag that is declared to the airline at the ticket counter and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided container." Firearm parts, ammunition and realistic replicas also are not allowed through checkpoints, but can be transported in checked bags.
Nationwide, TSA officers found 3,391 firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2016, which was a 28 percent increase over 2015. In calendar year 2016, one firearm was found at the SUX checkpoint.
TSA has the authority to issue a civil penalty of up to $11,000 against a passenger who brings a firearm to the checkpoint. The average penalty for a loaded firearm is $3,000, and the average for an unloaded is $1,500. For more information, visit the prohibited items and firearms and ammunition pages.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
