TSA officers detect firearm at CLE checkpoint over holiday weekend

CLEVELAND —Transportation Security Administration officers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) discovered a firearm in a passenger’s carry-on bag on Friday, bringing the total detected at the airport to 33 this year.

After a passenger presented their property for X-ray screening and a TSA officer detected the image of a firearm, Cleveland police were alerted. An officer responded to the checkpoint and confiscated the weapon.

“As the busy holiday travel season continues, I urge passengers to think twice about what they’re bringing in their carry-on bags.” Ohio TSA Federal Security Director Don Barker said. “Presenting a firearm at the checkpoint is a careless mistake that carries serious consequences.”

Earlier this month, CLE TSA officers detected three firearms in less than 24 hours. Officers detected 35 firearms at CLE last year, and 43 in 2021.

TSA recently announced that during the first three quarters of 2023, officers intercepted 5,072 firearms at airport security checkpoints nationwide, and at the current rate, the agency will surpass last year’s record 6,542 firearms prevented from getting onboard aircraft.

The penalty amount for a firearm violation, which TSA determines based on the circumstances in each case, can reach as high as $14,950. 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.