DES MOINES, IA - A West Des Moines, Iowa, man was cited at Des Moines International Airport on Wednesday (Dec. 20) after a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer detected a loaded handgun in the man’s carry-on bag. The man was an airline employee who was planning to fly to New York City on personal travel. His airport security identification badge was revoked immediately.
A TSA officer detected a 9 mm firearm inside the man’s carry-on bag as it passed through the security checkpoint X-ray machine. The handgun was loaded with nine rounds.
TSA officers immediately contacted the Des Moines Police, which responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and cited the man on a local weapons charge.
As a reminder, weapons-including firearms, firearm parts and ammunition-are not permitted in carry-on bags. Individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $13,000.
Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the security checkpoint, and TSA’s advice to passengers is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.
Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
