CHICAGO - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered a loaded firearm at a Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) checkpoint.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., a loaded .38 caliber Smith & Wesson M&P firearm was discovered in the woman’s carry-on bag. TSA officers alerted the Chicago Police Department, who quickly arrived on scene and took possession of the firearm. Police escorted the woman out of the checkpoint area for further questioning.
A resident of South Bend, Indiana, she told officials that she forgot she had the loaded handgun with her.
Firearms may be transported in checked baggage, if they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded. They are prohibited in carry-on bags on any flight.
“Firearms are prohibited at TSA checkpoints unless being carried for official duties per federal law and when an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the authorities are notified and arrive to resolve the incident,” said Federal Security Director Dereck Starks. “Firearms at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates and passengers must be aware what is in their belongings at all times.”
In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/civil-enforcement
For more information about TSA prohibited items, please follow these links:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition