CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered two loaded firearms in separate incidents at the Charleston International Airport (CHS) security checkpoint today.
At approximately 7 a.m., a loaded Bersa .380 caliber handgun was discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag.
At approximately 1 p.m., a loaded Glock 9mm handgun was found in a different passenger’s belongings.
In both instances TSA immediately alerted local law enforcement, who took possession of the bag and escorted the passenger out of the checkpoint area.
While firearms may be transported in checked baggage (provided they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded), they are prohibited in carry-on bags.
TSA would like to remind passengers that it is important for them to thoroughly search their bags for any potential dangerous weapons or prohibited items before departing for the airport.
Security is the primary concern of the TSA, and having these items in bags that are traveling with you on the aircraft is dangerous to other travelers and can be easily mistaken as an intentional attempt to bring a prohibited item onto an aircraft.
“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” said Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson. “Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”
TSA officers have now discovered seven firearms at the CHS security checkpoint in 2018. A total of 11 were found there in 2017.
In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA.
Visit TSA's website for information on prohibited items. The website also has information on how to properly travel with a firearm.