TSA officers intercepted this loaded gun at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport checkpoint on July 23. (TSA photo)
SYRACUSE, N.Y.—Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers intercepted a loaded firearm at Syracuse Hancock International Airport that was detected among a traveler’s carry-on items at the checkpoint yesterday, Tuesday, July 23. The .45 caliber handgun was loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber.
TSA officers notified Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Police, who confiscated the firearm and detailed the man, a resident of Utica, N.Y., for questioning him before releasing him to catch his flight.
“This was the third firearm that our officers have intercepted so far this year. It’s disappointing to see travelers bring their loaded guns to our checkpoints, especially individuals who have a state permit to carry,” said Bart R.
Johnson TSA’s Federal Security Director for Upstate New York. “Individuals who have a state permit to carry a deadly firearm should know where their guns are at all times and know that you cannot bring one past a security checkpoint and onto a flight. It is part of being a responsible gun owner. Instead this individual introduced a security threat to the checkpoint. Now this man faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty that is likely to cost him thousands of dollars.”
“During this extremely busy summer travel period, our officers remain vigilant and focused on the mission, and I am also appreciative of the swift response of the airport police,” Johnson added. “Their dedication to ensure the security of our travelers is commendable. They are working hard every day, which allows others to take time to go on a summer vacation.”
Passengers may transport their firearms for a flight if packed properly. To do so, the gun must be unloaded, placed in a hard-sided case and then locked inside the case. Next, it should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. The airline will ask that a small card be filled out and then the airline will make sure that the firearm is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it during a flight.
When a firearm is detected at a security checkpoint, TSA officers immediately stop the checkpoint conveyor belt. The lane comes to a standstill. Officers contact local law enforcement, who come to the checkpoint, remove the carry-on bag from the X-ray unit and then remove the passenger and the carry-on bag containing the firearm from the checkpoint area.
In addition to any action taken by law enforcement, TSA may issue a financial civil fine to passengers who bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint. The civil penalty for bringing weapons to checkpoints can go as high as $15,000.
If the traveler caught with a firearm is enrolled in the TSA PreCheck® program, they are removed from TSA PreCheck eligibility and are flagged to receive enhanced screening to ensure there are no other threats present.
Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? TSA can certainly help travelers with that information before they leave home.
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).