AUSTIN, Tex. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a loaded firearm in a carry-on bag yesterday morning at an Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) security checkpoint.
The Glock 37, loaded with six rounds, was intercepted during X-ray screening at one of the AUS security checkpoints yesterday. Per standard procedure, TSA alerted law enforcement. The Austin Police Department took possession of the weapon and arrested the passenger.
“This was the 41st firearm we’ve found at our security checkpoints here in Austin so far this year, and the 6th already this month,” said TSA AUS Federal Security Director Mike Scott. “Passengers who bring a firearm to the checkpoint can expect a referral to law enforcement and a civil penalty from TSA, which averages almost $4,000 for a loaded one. In addition, every time we find a firearm, it causes delays at the checkpoint for everyone else waiting in line.”
While firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags, they can travel in checked bags, if declared to the airline and unloaded and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided case. Ammunition, firearm parts and realistic replicas also are not allowed in carry-on bags. Some airline policies for traveling with a firearm in a checked bag may differ from TSA’s, so we strongly suggest travelers contact their airline prior to coming to the airport.
TSA found a record-breaking 3,957 firearms at airport security checkpoints around the country in 2017, a 17 percent increase over 2016.
TSA has the authority to levy a civil penalty of up to $13,000 against a passenger who brings a firearm to the checkpoint. The average penalty for a loaded firearm is about $4,000; the average for an unloaded firearm is about half that amount. Any determination about a criminal charge is up to law enforcement. For more information, visit our prohibited items and firearms and ammunition pages.