Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at State College Regional Airport intercepted a handgun at the security checkpoint on September 16. The 9mm firearm was loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber.
The weapon was caught as the man, a resident of Drums, Pa., entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the firearm, which was in the man’s backpack. TSA officials notified the police who allowed the man to return his gun to his vehicle. This individual now faces a stiff financial civil penalty. Civil penalties for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.
“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 Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “It’s been 23 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and people should know by now that they cannot bring firearms or any weapons through our checkpoints.”