This loaded handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) on Oct. 23. (TSA photo)
JACKSON, Miss. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped two firearms from making their way onboard airplanes at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) this week, setting a record.
The most recent incident occurred on Monday at approximately 10:15 a.m. when a male passenger presented his carry-on bag for screening and a TSA officer detected the image of a handgun inside. The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Police Department was notified and took possession of the weapon at the checkpoint. The firearm was loaded and it was the 25th this year, breaking the previous annual record of 24 guns.
“This trend is alarming and needs to be addressed with urgency,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Mississippi Kim Jackson. “TSA has not forgotten the lessons our country learned from 9-11 and those who violate our policies will face heavy penalties and possibly criminal charges.”
“Our Transportation Security Officers understand the gravity of our mission, and we remain dedicated to it,” said Jackson. “TSA has doubled the fines, so the consequences can be costly, but that doesn’t begin to compare to the cost of human lives that could be endangered.”
Individuals who bring their gun to a security checkpoint face a federal financial civil penalty that 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.