CHICAGO - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered a loaded firearm at a Midway International Airport (MDW) checkpoint.
Friday at approximately 7:45 a.m. during the x-ray of a male passenger’s backpack, a loaded Taurus PT24/7 G2 .40 caliber firearm and ammo were found. TSA officers requested assistance from the Chicago Police Department who took possession of the firearm and the ammo. The police escorted the passenger out of the checkpoint area and cited him for the weapon and having 32 rounds of ammunition.
Those who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges. In addition, TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,333 for weapons violations. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100. The complete list of penalties is posted online. Guns are prohibited items in airports and in the passenger compartments of airplanes, even with state-issued concealed firearm permits.
“Passengers are reminded to be aware of the items in their possession, especially at TSA checkpoints,” said Federal Security Director Dereck Starks. “Weapons discovered at checkpoints may result in fines, citations, or possibly missed flights.”
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared to the airline. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and may be packed with the ammunition separate inside the case. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and should be verified by each traveler. Please check with your airline on the limit of ammunition that may be transported and fees.
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