Foldable firearm discovered by TSA officers in carry-on luggage at SLC on March 1, 2023
SALT LAKE CITY - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) detected a loaded gun and three rounds of ammunition in the carry-on luggage of a male passenger ticketed for travel to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This discovery occurred around 3 p.m. MST Wednesday during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint.
The firearm was a foldable, single-shot .22 caliber Trailblazaer LifeCard pistol. TSA officers discovered. Upon seeing the image of the gun on the X-ray screen, TSA notified officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s airport bureau, who responded to the security checkpoint. Law enforcement interviewed the traveler who was allowed to continue to his flight without the firearm. The incident is under review for potential prosecution.
This is the 11th firearm discovered by TSA in carry-on luggage to date at SLC in 2023. At this same point in 2022, TSA officers had discovered 15 firearms at the security checkpoint.
“TSA consistently reminds travelers to be aware of the contents of their bag to make sure they are not bringing firearms or other prohibited items in carry-on luggage. Unfortunately, some travelers continue to ignore that advice,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Utah Matt Davis. “I commend the TSA officers at SLC and across the country who carry out the security mission of the agency every day. Wednesday’s firearm discovery at SLC proves that their attention to detail and commitment to screening one bag, one traveler at a time is key to ensuring that security threats do not make it into the cabin of an aircraft.
TSA reviews the circumstances of every firearm incident and can 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 $14,950 per violation.
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 five years. 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.
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.