Wichita, Kan. —The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered a loaded firearm at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) today at the security screening checkpoint.
The 9 mm Ruger, loaded with five rounds, was detected during X-ray screening at the checkpoint. The Wichita Airport Police department responded, interviewed the passenger, and took possession of the weapon. Any determination about a criminal charge is up to law enforcement.
TSA also reviews the incident and can assess a civil penalty of up to $13,333 per violation. Factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded. Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA Pre✓® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time.
“This is a good opportunity to remind passengers that firearms are not allowed at airport security checkpoints,” said TSA Kansas Federal Security Director Jay Brainard.
Firearms can only be transported in a checked bag, if declared to the airline at the ticket counter and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided container. Firearm parts, ammunition, and realistic replicas also are not allowed through security checkpoints, but can travel in checked bags.
This is the third firearm discovered at ICT so far this year. TSA found a record-breaking 4,239 firearms--an average of 11.6 per day--at airport security checkpoints around the country in 2018, a 7% increase over 2017.
For more information, visit the prohibited items and firearms and ammunition pages at tsa.gov.