This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) on Aug. 16. (TSA photo)
NORTH CANTON, Ohio – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped a firearm from making its way onboard an airplane at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) Monday.
This is the third firearm detected at CAK this year, equal to the total stopped in all of 2019. Four firearms were detected at CAK checkpoints in 2020.
The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m., and TSA officials immediately alerted the Summit County Sheriff’s Department. The firearm was loaded with 13 rounds, with none in the chamber. Officers responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the weapon, and escorted the passenger away from the checkpoint for further questioning. The passenger has a valid Ohio concealed carry permit and stated he didn’t realize his firearm was in the bag.
“We want people to be prepared for the checkpoint experience before they leave for the airport,” Ohio TSA Federal Security Director Donald Barker said. “The most important thing travelers can do to contribute to an efficient screening process for everyone is to keep firearms and other prohibited items out of their carry-on bags.”
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.
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.