This loaded 9mm handgun was detected inside a traveler’s carry-on bag by a Transportation Security Officer at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport on January 20, 2024. (TSA photo)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. –On Saturday, January 20, Transportation Security Officers at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport detected a 9mm handgun in a man’s carry-on bag at a security checkpoint. The firearm was fully loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. This was the first firearm detection at SYR in 2024.
TSA immediately notified Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Police. After interviewing the Clarence, N.Y. man, they eventually confiscated the firearm even though he had a valid New York State pistol permit. Guns are not permitted through the security checkpoint and now the man faces a stiff financial civil penalty from TSA. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.
“It is difficult to understand how a NYS licensed pistol permit holder would not know where his fully loaded weapon was, resulting in the weapon being introduced at the checkpoint creating a very dangerous situation for everyone at the checkpoint,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Upstate New York.
“With that said, I appreciate the diligence of the officers who detected the firearm at the checkpoint and also recognize the quick response of law enforcement,” he added. “As a result, a deadly weapon was prevented from getting onto an airplane.”
Passengers are only permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage. Firearms must be unloaded then packed in a hard-sided locked case. The locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and gun owners have a responsibility to ensure they are not violating any local firearm laws. Additionally, contacting the respective airline could reveal any additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a gun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because a concealed carry permit does not allow a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck® privileges.
Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).