Windsor Locks, Conn. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped a man from carrying a loaded firearm onto his flight at Bradley International Airport (BDL) on Sunday, Apr. 4. It was the first firearm detected at BDL this year.
During security screening, a TSA officer detected the 9mm pistol with a chambered round, along with ten rounds in the passenger’s carry-on bag. A magazine loaded with 15 rounds of unknown caliber was also detected in the carry-on bag. Connecticut State Police responded and arrested the male passenger on state charges.
“Arriving to a security checkpoint with a loaded firearm is not only dangerous and illegal; but, also an inconvenience to other passengers due to the fact that the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident,” said William Csontos, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Connecticut. “I commend each of my Officers for their expert knowledge and skills that bring incidents like these to a successful conclusion. They are all committed to providing world class security to ensure safe travel through Bradley International Airport.
If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges. TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. TSA may seek a penalty amount of up to $13,910 per violation, if there are aggravating factors. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online.
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.
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.