Transportation Security Administration officers prevented a Pennsylvania man from bringing loaded gun onto flight at Harrisburg International Airport.
As the Mechanicsville man approached the security gate, the 9mm gun was discovered with 10 bullets, according to an April 3 TSA news release. The carry-on luggage was opened by officials for a more thorough assessment after the X-ray device prompted the TSA officer to check the bag.
“The TSA officers in Harrisburg perform their jobs exceptionally well," TSA Federal Security Director Karen Keys-Turner said in the release. "When dangerous items such as loaded guns are brought to a security checkpoint, it represents a serious security and safety concern."
Karen Keys-Turner
| Dept of Homeland Security
The man said he always carries a revolver with him when he attends church services since he is a member of the church's security detail, the release reported. He noted he forgot he had it with him when he left for the airport to catch his plane.
He now risks a severe financial civil penalty from TSA because guns are not allowed at the security checkpoint. According to the release, the maximum fine for possessing a weapon is $15,000.
"Individuals are not permitted to carry a firearm through a security checkpoint — not someone with a concealed weapons permit, not someone who is enrolled in TSA PreCheck, not an airport worker and not a traveler who forgot that he had it with him,” Keys-Turner said in the release.
Only checked baggage is allowed to contain guns for passengers, the release said. Weapons need to be emptied before being transported in a secured, hard-sided case. The lockable case must be declared at the airline check-in desk.
On its website, TSA gives instructions on how to safely travel with a firearm, the release reported. Gun owners have a responsibility to make sure they are not breaking any local firearm laws because state and local laws on the possession of firearms differ. More guidelines for transporting weapons and ammunition may be learned by getting in touch with the relevant airline.
