BOSTON - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on Friday detected two loaded firearms and ammunition in the carry-on luggage of a male passenger ticketed for travel to Los Angeles International Airport. This occurred around 5:20 p.m. EDT during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on luggage at the airport’s security checkpoint.
Upon discovery of the firearm, TSA notified the Massachusetts State Police and they responded to the security checkpoint. The traveler was questioned by law enforcement and subsequently arrested.
These are the ninth and 10th firearms discovered by TSA in carry-on luggage at BOS in 2023. More than 2,900 firearms have been discovered by TSA officers nationwide so far this year. More than 92% of those have been loaded.
TSA reviews the circumstances of firearm incidents and may levy a civil penalty against the passenger. The recommended civil penalty for bringing a firearm to the security checkpoint can go up to a statutory maximum of more than $14,950 per violation. TSA evaluates each incident on a case-by-case basis.
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 a period of time. 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.
TSA reminds travelers to be aware of the contents of their bag to ensure they are not bringing firearms, or other prohibited items in carry-on luggage. 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.