These firearms were detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) recently. (TSA photo)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a passenger from bringing a handgun onboard an airplane at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) Sunday.
This was the second incident in five days. A gun was also detected at the checkpoint on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
In both incidents, TSA officials immediately alerted the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Police, who responded to the checkpoint.
So far, 17 firearms have been detected at GRR this year. A total of 19 firearms were detected at GRR security checkpoints in 2023.
“Individuals who own firearms should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding where their weapons can and cannot be carried,” Michigan TSA Federal Security Director Reggie Stephens said. “As we continue to see increased travel volumes, we encourage everyone to prepare for the screening experience and not bring prohibited items, which increase risks and delays for all passengers.”
Nationally, more than 6,700 firearms were stopped at airport checkpoints in 2023.
In addition to any action taken by law enforcement, TSA fines passengers who bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint with a civil penalty up to approximately $15,000, revokes TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years and may conduct enhanced screening to ensure there are no other threats present.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hard-sided 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.