BOISE, Idaho - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Boise Airport Monday detected a loaded 9 mm Smith & Wesson handgun and an additional loaded magazine in the carry-on luggage of a traveler ticketed for travel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This occurred around 5:50 a.m. during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint.
Upon discovery of the firearm, TSA notified the Boise Police Department’s airport division, which responded to the security checkpoint. The incident has been referred to the Ada County prosecutor’s office for review.
This firearm discovery at the Boise Airport brings the annual total to 34. In October, TSA announced that it set a 20-year record in the number of firearms discovered nationwide in carry-on luggage in the first nine months of 2021.
Firearms aren’t the only type of prohibited item discovered lately at BOI. On Sunday, TSA officers detected a flashlight stun gun in the carry-on luggage of a traveler headed to Salt Lake City International Airport. On Saturday, TSA officers found throwing knives in the carry-on of a traveler going to Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport. Photos of these prohibited items are included at the end of the press release.
Stun guns and other electro-shock weapons are never allowed in carry-on luggage. In addition, they must be transported in checked baggage in a manner that the device is inoperable from accidental discharge. Knives of any type are never allowed in carry-on luggage and should travel in checked luggage.
During a time when the number of travelers being screened at BOI’s security checkpoint for the end-of-the-year holiday travel period have reached pre-pandemic levels, TSA reminds travelers to be aware of the contents of their bag to ensure they are not bringing firearms or other prohibited items in carry-on luggage.
Travelers who bring prohibited items to the security checkpoint slow the screening process down for everyone during a time when it is critical that operations run as smoothly and efficiently as possible to ensure a swift trip for everyone through the security screening process.
TSA will review the circumstances of the firearm incident and levy a civil penalty against the passenger. The recommended civil penalty for a firearm starts at $2,050 and can go up to the statutory maximum of more than $13,669 per violation. TSA evaluates each incident on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to civil penalties, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger should go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
More information on traveling legally with a firearm is available on TSA’s website. For information on how to travel with any type of item, visit TSA’s “Can I Bring” website.