This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) on Feb. 1. (TSA photo)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a loaded handgun from making its way onboard an airplane at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) Monday.
The incident occurred around 5:45 a.m., and TSA officials immediately alerted the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Police. Officers responded to the checkpoint and confiscated her weapon, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.
“Passengers are allowed to travel with their firearms and ammunition as long as they follow the proper procedures,” said Grand Rapids TSA Federal Security Director Roger Dubuc. “Passengers should know what is in their possession when arriving at the airport security checkpoints.”
TSA issues civil penalties to travelers who bring guns to a checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100. The complete list of civil penalties is on the TSA website. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges for a period of time.
This is the first firearm detected at GRR this year. A total of 10 firearms were detected at GRR security checkpoints in 2019, and 12 last year.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should check for firearm laws in the jurisdictions they are flying to and from.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.