This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) on Sept. 12. (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.
This is the 11th firearm detected at DSM this year. Nine firearms were detected at DSM security checkpoints in total last year.
“It’s extremely disappointing that our officers have stopped another firearm at DSM this week,” Iowa TSA Federal Security Director John Bright said. “Responsible gun owners always know where their firearms are and travel with them properly – never in a carry-on bag.”
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 12:30 p.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 loaded with six rounds, none in the chamber. The pistol did not have a safety.
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.