Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers intercepted two firearms at checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport on Thursday, July 11, thus stopping two individuals from carrying loaded guns onto their flights.
A King of Prussia, Pa., man was cited by police after TSA officers detected a .40 caliber handgun in the man’s carry-on bag. The gun was loaded with 15 bullets with one in the chamber. In addition, a Collegeville, Pa., man was caught with a 9mm handgun that was loaded with 11 bullets including one in the chamber. Police confiscated the weapons. The incidents were not related.
“Travelers need to pay more attention to the items that they have inside their carry-on bags,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Travelers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags. In addition, responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and they know not to bring them to a security checkpoint. Bringing guns to checkpoints is a serious security violation. Each of these individuals can expect that TSA will issue them a costly Federal civil penalty.”
Spero praised the TSA officers for their good catch. “This is the busiest period of travel that our agency has seen and I commend our officers for remaining vigilant and staying focused on the mission during this busy time.”