TSA Photo
A loaded .22 caliber handgun was discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag at a GSP checkpoint Thursday
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This is the fifth firearm discovered at a GSP security checkpoint by TSA officers in 2016. A total of 16 were found there in 2015.
At approximately 6 p.m. Thursday evening, a loaded .22 caliber handgun was discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag.
TSA immediately alerted local law enforcement, who took possession of the firearm and cited the passenger on state 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 Regional Spokesperson. “Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”
In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA.
For more information about the TSA prohibited items, please follow here or this link.