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 on 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.
ohnson 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.