COLUMBUS, Ohio – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped two firearms from making their way onboard airplanes at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in separate incidents.
In both incidents, passengers presented their carry-on bags for screening, and a TSA officer detected the image of a handgun inside. Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) police were notified and took possession of the weapons at the checkpoint. The incidents occurred:
- Sunday, Feb. 9, around 5:20 a.m. The firearm was loaded with seven rounds, including one chambered.
- Monday, Feb. 10, around 5 a.m. The firearm was loaded with 10 rounds, none chambered.
“Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint is a careless, expensive mistake that endangers other passengers,” Ohio TSA Federal Security Director Donald Barker said. “Passengers should start with an empty bag when packing to ensure they are not bringing any prohibited items to the checkpoint, and review guidance on the safe and legal way to transport a firearm if they need to do so.”
Including these two, a total of six firearms have been detected at CMH this year. In 2024, 48 firearms were detected at CMH security checkpoints.
When a firearm is detected at a security checkpoint, TSA officers immediately contact local law enforcement, who remove the passenger and the firearm from the checkpoint area. Depending on local laws, the law enforcement officer may arrest or cite the passenger. TSA does not confiscate firearms.
In addition to law enforcement action, TSA fines passengers who bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint with a civil penalty up to about $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 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.