The firearm was a Glock 9 mm pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition including one in the chamber. The TSA officer discovered the firearm around 4:45 p.m.
Upon seeing the image of the firearm on the X-ray screen, TSA notified the Burbank Airport Police Department, which responded to the security checkpoint. The responding police officer immediately removed the firearm and passenger from the security checkpoint and later cited the individual on a state charge of carrying a concealed firearm in public.
This is the first firearm of 2018 discovered in the security checkpoint at BUR. In 2017, TSA discovered eight firearms at BUR, up from seven in 2016.
Firearms, ammunition, firearm parts and realistic replicas of firearms are always prohibited in carry-on baggage. However, these items can be transported in checked baggage provided the traveler declares them to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
Firearms in checked baggage must be unloaded and stored in a locked, hard-sided container. TSA urges passengers to contact their airline for specific firearm and ammunition policies and to check local laws related to the carrying and transport of firearms.
TSA reserves the right to levy a civil penalty of up to $9,800 against a passenger for bringing a dangerous weapon like a firearm to the checkpoint. Each penalty is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Visit the TSA website for more information on TSA’s civil penalties.
TSA reminds passengers to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. Additional traveler information specifically related to the commercial air transport of firearms and ammunition can be found here.