BURBANK, Calif. - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Hollywood Burbank Airport detected a loaded firearm in a carry-on bag Sunday afternoon during the routine X-ray screening at the security checkpoint.
The weapon, a .380 caliber AMT pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition, was discovered in the bag of a male passenger ticketed for travel to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Upon discovery of the firearm, TSA notified the Hollywood Burbank Airport Police, which responded to the security checkpoint. The traveler was cited on a state charge, the weapon was confiscated and the traveler was permitted to continue on his flight.
So far in 2020, TSA officers at Hollywood Burbank Airport have detected five firearms in carry-on luggage compared to eight firearms in all of 2019. Nationwide this year, TSA officers have discovered 1,220 firearms to date and 84% of those have been loaded. In 2019, a total of 4,432 firearms were found in carry-on luggage at airports across the country.
TSA will review the circumstances of the incident and levy a civil penalty against each of the passengers. The recommended civil penalty for a firearm starts at $2,050 and can go up to the statutory maximum of more than $10,250 per violation.
Factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. TSA evaluates each incident on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to civil penalties, 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. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger should go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
More information on traveling legally with a firearm is available on TSA’s website.