This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) on April 4. (TSA photo)
MADISON – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a handgun from making its way onboard an airplane at Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) Monday.
During the routine screening of carry-on luggage, a TSA officer spotted the image of a handgun on the X-ray screen. The incident occurred around 5 a.m., and TSA officials immediately alerted the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The firearm was loaded. The traveler, a Wonewoc resident, had a concealed carry permit.
“Carelessly traveling with a loaded firearm is a public safety concern, considering it could accidentally be discharged during a search,” Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said. “I strongly urge all gun owners to ensure they know where their firearm is before traveling to the airport.”
This is the first firearm stopped at an MSN checkpoint this year. In 2021, seven firearms were detected at MSN.
TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,910 per violation per person. 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.