Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at State College Regional Airport intercepted a handgun at the security checkpoint early yesterday morning, October 15. The .357 caliber firearm was loaded with five bullets.
The weapon was caught as the man, a resident of Mifflin, Pa., entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the firearm, which was in the man’s carry-on bag. TSA officials notified the police who allowed the man to exit the airport with his firearm. This individual now faces a stiff financial civil penalty. Civil penalties for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.
“This was the second firearm that our officers have intercepted at the airport in the last month. Bringing loaded guns to checkpoints is a serious security violation and this individual can expect to receive a federal fine that will be in the thousands of dollars,” said Donald Weston, TSA’s Acting Federal Security Director for the airport. “It is disappointing to continue to see travelers bring their guns to our checkpoints.”
