Man "Forgot About" Loaded Handgun he Attempted to Take Through TSA Checkpoint

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recovered a loaded firearm at Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport in Pittston Township, Pennsylvania on August 15. Despite the owner admitting it was a mistake to security ahead of time, he faces a hefty penalty.

Trigger Warning

The unnamed man, who is a resident of Harveys Lake, was going through the security checkpoint with his carry-on bag being examined. The X-ray unit spotted a handgun, later identified as a .380 caliber, in the man's carry-on bag. The man's defense was that he forgot the gun was in his bag.

The gun was loaded with six bullets when the TSA recovered it. It wasn't known whether there was a safety lever on. TSA later turned the gun over to law enforcement officials.

According to the TSA, this is the third instance this year where a firearm was detected at the airport's checkpoint.

TSA Federal Security Director Karen Keys-Turner commented on the August 15 incident:

“Telling us that you forgot that you had a loaded gun with you is unacceptable. What that tells me is that this individual needs to be more responsible with regard to knowing where his firearm is at all times. Bringing loaded guns to checkpoints is a serious security violation and this individual can expect to receive a federal fine that will be in the thousands of dollars.”
 

About Fines And Gun Security

Civil fines for unlawful possession of a weapon can go as high as $15,000. A civil penalty is a form of restitution for a person or party's violation and typically involves paying a fee. The individual isn't expected to face jail time.
 

Firearms are permitted for air travel as long as they're emptied of ammunition and secured in a locked, hard-sided safe. The safe will have to be examined by the TSA to ensure the firearm is properly handled with care. The TSA has additional tips on traveling with firearms and ammunition here.

According to the TSA's What Can I Bring page, the only things associated with guns that are permitted on carry-on bags are holsters and scopes. Any real gun or ammunition needs to be properly stored in a checked bag.

Travelers that are also members of TSA PreCheck will get their PreCheck privileges revoked if they're guilty of improperly handling a firearm through security.

It was very fortunate that the loaded gun didn't cause any serious harm, and the individual certainly should be held accountable for the lack of awareness and responsibility. While it's hard for the TSA and the airports to prevent weapons from illegally being found in carry-on bags, going through security should be what every passenger has to properly prepare for.