This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Appleton International Airport (ATW) on Feb. 13. (TSA photo)
APPLETON –Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a handgun from making its way onboard an airplane at Appleton International Airport (ATW) Monday. It was the second gun stopped at the checkpoint in the past week.
After a TSA officer spotted the image of a handgun on the X-ray screen during the routine screening of carry-on luggage, TSA officials immediately alerted the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. The firearm was loaded, and extra ammunition was also found in the bag.
“Our TSA officers continue to do an outstanding job detecting these weapons, but any time dangerous items are presented in the checkpoint, we have serious safety concerns for all in the area, and the resolution disrupts the screening process for the passengers waiting behind the offender,” said Wisconsin Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay. “Individuals who own firearms should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding where their weapons can and cannot be carried.”
This is the fourth firearm detected at ATW so far this year, and the third was just stopped on Friday, Feb. 10. Only two firearms were detected at ATW security checkpoints in all of 2022. There have also been multiple instances of improperly packed and/or undeclared firearms in checked bags at ATW this year. That mistake can also incur a fine for the passenger.
TSA recently announced that the penalty for bringing weapons to the airport increased and can reach as high as $14,950, depending on the circumstances. TSA determines the penalty amount for a violation based on the circumstances in each case. TSA will continue to revoke TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years for passengers caught with a firearm in their possession.
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.