This firearm was found to be in possession of a contractor who works for an airline at Philadelphia International Airport on June 21. (TSA photo)
PHILADELPHIA-- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Philadelphia International Airport intercepted a loaded handgun this morning (June 21), that was in possession of a contractor who is employed by an airline.
The 9mm gun was loaded with 10 bullets when TSA officers detected the firearm among the worker’s belongings when he was entering an employee checkpoint on his way to work.
Airport police were contacted, responded to the checkpoint where they confiscated the firearm, cited the Philadelphia resident and took possession of his airport identification badge. Without the badge, the man is unable to work at the airport.
“This was a good catch on the part of our TSA officers as it addressed a possible insider threat situation,” explained Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Individuals who work at the airport, whether they are members of the flight crew, work at retail shops, work for airlines, or are contractors of a company that does business at the airport are not allowed to bring prohibited items onto the secure side of the airport. We are always on alert for employees who may have possible bad intentions, which could possibly represent a threat to aviation security."
In addition to losing his ID badge, which prevents him from working at the airport, the individual also faces a possible federal financial civil citation, which could cost thousands of dollars.
“We are deep into our busy summer travel period, and here at Philadelphia as well as at airports across the country, we are extremely busy and our officers have remained vigilant in focusing on their mission,” Spero said. “We want people to get to their destinations safely and get home safely.”
Today’s firearm marked the 17th gun that TSA officers have detected at Philadelphia International Airport checkpoints so far this year. Last year 45 firearms were intercepted at the airport checkpoints.