This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) on Aug. 1. (TSA photo)
DES MOINES – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a handgun from making its way onboard an airplane at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) 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 6 a.m., and TSA officials immediately alerted the Des Moines Police Department. A law enforcement officer responded, confiscated the firearm, and issued a citation. The firearm was unloaded, and ammunition in its original box was discovered separately. The passenger, who has a permit to carry in the state in the state of Iowa, stated he forgot that the gun was in his bag.
“All gun owners should familiarize themselves with the procedures and rules for traveling with a firearm,” Iowa TSA Federal Security Director John Bright said. “Firearms and security checkpoints don’t mix. Guns and ammunition are never allowed to pass through a security checkpoint to be carried onto a flight, even if a traveler has a concealed carry permit. This is an expensive mistake and careless for travelers to make.”
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.
This is the eighth firearm detected at DSM this year. Nine firearms were detected at DSM security checkpoints in total last year.
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.