Transportation Security Administration Photo
This is the unloaded .380 caliber handgun that was discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag at GSP on Sunday.
At approximately 5:45 p.m., an unloaded .380 caliber handgun was discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag, the TSA reported. TSA immediately alerted airport police, who took possession of the bag and cited the passenger on local charges.
While firearms may be transported in checked baggage (provided they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded), they are prohibited in carry-on bags.
“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” said Mark Howell, TSA spokesman. “Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”
This is first firearm discovered at a security checkpoint by TSA officers at GSP this year. A total of 14 firearms were found at GSP checkpoints in 2014, up from 12 in 2013.
In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA.