Firearm discovered by TSA officers at HNL on June 30, 2022.
HONOLULU - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) detected an unloaded 9 mm Glock 19 handgun in the carry-on luggage of a male passenger ticketed for travel to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This occurred around 6 a.m. HST Thursday, June 30 during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint.
Upon discovery of the firearm, TSA notified security personnel with Allied Universal Services. They responded to the security checkpoint and questioned the traveler. The passenger was subsequently arrested by Hawaii State Sheriffs.
This is the second firearm discovered by TSA in carry-on luggage at HNL in 2022. The first firearm of the year - a Sig Sauer 320 - was found on February 7. At this same point in 2021, TSA officers had detected two guns in carry-on luggage at HNL.
Since January 1, 2022, TSA officers have discovered more than 3,100 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage at airports nationwide. In all of 2021, TSA officers found more than 5,900 firearms across the country.
“Firearms should never travel in carry-on luggage and be brought to the security checkpoint. The firearm discovery last week at HNL is reason to ask all gun owners to familiarize themselves with the procedures and rules for traveling with a firearm,” said acting Federal Security Director for Hawaii Scot Thaxton. “I continue to be grateful to the TSA officers here and across the country who work day in and day out to keep travelers safe by ensuring security threats do not make it into the cabin of an aircraft.”
TSA reviews the circumstances of firearm incidents and may 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 $10,000 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.
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. 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.