Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Pittsburgh International Airport intercepted a firearm at the main security checkpoint on September 25. The 9mm firearm was loaded with 10 bullets.
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, which belonged to a woman from Granville, W.Va. 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.
“When someone brings a loaded gun to one of our checkpoints, it is a risk to everyone in the airport,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “We view firearms as a threat, because the intention of the traveler is unknown. If you own a firearm, do not bring it to a checkpoint. If you must travel with your gun, the proper way to do it is to make sure it’s unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case and taken to the airline check-in counter. The airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the aircraft.” TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
“Passengers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags,” she continued. “This individual can expect that TSA will issue her a very costly Federal civil penalty for her careless actions.”