TSA catches second gun in four days at a Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoint

NEWARK, N.J. –  Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport stopped a traveler from bringing a loaded handgun onto their flight this morning, Wednesday, June 21, just four days after they caught a firearm in another traveler’s carry-on bag.

This morning when a TSA officer spotted the .38 caliber handgun in the checkpoint X-ray machine, Port Authority Police were alerted, came to the Terminal A checkpoint, confiscated the gun and interviewed the traveler, a resident of Staten Island, N.Y. The weapon was loaded with seven bullets. This past weekend when TSA officers removed a loaded firearm from a Philadelphia, Pa., man’s carry-on backpack on Saturday, June 17, in Terminal C, police confiscated the gun and arrested the traveler.

When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. Guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.

Each individual faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint. The penalty for bringing a weapon to a TSA checkpoint can cost as much as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.

“Summer travel season is in full swing and the airport is extremely busy,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Carrying prohibited or illegal items to security checkpoints slows down the security lines for everyone. If you’re flying this summer, it is vitally important to know that the items you have in your carry-on bag are allowed through our security checkpoints. My best advice is that when you’re ready to pack, start with an empty bag so you know with certainty what you’ve got inside and you know that there is nothing prohibited in a side pocket, zippered pouch or just in the bottom of your bag. That goes for backpacks, roller bags, handbags, messenger bags and duffle bags,” he added.

“I’m hopeful that this incident serve as a reminder to others who are traveling with a firearm, to take a few moments before they come to the airport to refresh their familiarity with the proper procedures on how to pack a gun for a flight. Firearms should never be brought to the security checkpoint in carry-on luggage.”

This morning’s gun catch marked the 10th gun caught at the airport so far this year. Nationwide, TSA officers have prevented more than 3,000 guns from getting through security checkpoints. Last year, 6,542 firearms were caught at 262 out of 430 airport security checkpoints nationwide. Eighty-eight percent of those guns were loaded.

TSA firearms catches at airport checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport, 2018 to 2023

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. This applies to individuals with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

TSA reminds people to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to help determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.