This loaded handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 7. (TSA photo)
DETROIT – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected and prevented a handgun from making its way into the passenger cabin of an airplane at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
On Monday, June 7, TSA officers detected a loaded 9mm handgun in the carry-on bags of a male traveler.
TSA officials immediately alerted the Wayne County Airport Police, officers responded to the checkpoint, and removed the traveler and confiscated the weapon.
“Our outstanding TSA officers prevented this firearm from entering the secure area of the airport,” said Detroit’s TSA Federal Security Director Steve Lorincz. “Passengers who are traveling with firearms should ensure they are properly packed in their checked baggage during.”
TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100 and can go as high as $13,669 depending on any aggravating circumstances. 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. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
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.