A Tennessee man was arrested by police on August 1, when Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport intercepted a firearm among the man’s carry-on items. The 9mm handgun was loaded with 17 bullets.
The TSA officer detected the handgun as the man’s carry-on items entered the checkpoint X-ray machine. Port Authority Police were alerted, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man, a resident of Old Hickory, Tenn.
“This individual told us that he took a bus to our area and was planning to fly to another destination from Newark,” explained Thomas Carter TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “When planning for a flight, individuals really need to pay attention to the items that they have inside their carry-on bags. Travelers are responsible for the contents of their bags. Part of being a responsible gun owner is knowing where your firearm is at all times. Bringing guns to checkpoints is a serious security violation.”
Carter praised the TSA officers for their good catch. “This summer has been the busiest period of travel that our agency has seen, and I commend our officers for remaining focused on the mission during this busy time.