This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) on June 3. (TSA photo)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a passenger from bringing a handgun onboard an airplane at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) Saturday.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m., when the passenger presented their bag for screening and officers detected the image of a firearm on the X-ray. TSA officials immediately alerted the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Police. Officers responded to the checkpoint and confiscated the weapon, which was unloaded. A four-round magazine was also found inside the bag.
“As summer travel picks up, these incidents present a danger to our dedicated workforce, and the traveling public,” Michigan TSA Federal Security Director Reginald Stephens said. “We encourage all travelers to know the exact location of their firearm at all times and to pack their luggage starting with a completely empty bag to ensure no prohibited items are accidentally brought to the checkpoint.”
This is the eighth firearm detected at GRR this year. A total of 12 firearms were detected at GRR security checkpoints last year.
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.