Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) intercepted a .25 caliber handgun at the security checkpoint on Monday, December 16. The handgun, which was loaded with six bullets was detected in the man’s backpack.
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 man from Eighty Four, Pa. 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.
Monday marked the 41st firearm that TSA officers have intercepted at Pittsburgh so far this year.
“It is crucial for travelers to double and triple-check their carry-on items to ensure that there are no prohibited or illegal items inside,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania. “Travelers who have prohibited items among their carry-on items will not only delay their checkpoint screening experience, but they slow down others as well. Don’t be that person. When you’re at home packing for your trip, start with an empty roller bag, backpack, messenger bag or handbag. Start to pack from scratch so you know with certainty that there is nothing prohibited in your carry-ons.”
The original announcement can be found here.