Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Pittsburgh International Airport intercepted a firearm at the main security checkpoint on August 12. The .380 caliber handgun was not loaded.
When TSA officers detected the firearm, the checkpoint lane came to a halt until the police responded and removed the carry-on bag from the X-ray machine. Police confiscated the firearm and cited the woman, a resident of Florida, on a weapons charge. Meanwhile, other travelers who were in line were forced to wait until the incident was cleared, delaying them from getting through the checkpoint and to their gate during the peak travel time of the day.
“This was the 28th firearm that our officers have intercepted at our checkpoints so far this year and it is concerning to continue to see travelers bring their guns to our checkpoints,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “While I am proud of our officers for their continued vigilance, I am disappointed that gun owners continue to bring their firearms to our checkpoints. TSA has been in existence nearly 23 years and yet individuals continue to try to travel with their guns. Responsible gun owners always know where their firearms are, and they know not to bring them to a checkpoint.”
“Travelers need to pay much closer attention to the items that they have inside their carry-on bags,” said Keys-Turner. “Passengers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags. This traveler can expect that TSA will issue her a costly Federal civil penalty.”