Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport recently arrested a Bucks County, Pennsylvania, resident after discovering a handgun in his carry-on bag at the C-1 Terminal checkpoint.
Officers found a .45-caliber pistol during the routine screening. Port Authority Police took the man into custody; he later told officials he is a member of a competitive shooting team and had simply forgotten the firearm was in his bag.
This incident marks the fourth firearm intercepted at TSA checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport so far this year. Last year set a record for the airport, with 14 guns seized at checkpoints — a notable rise from six firearms found in 2017.
Nationally, TSA officers located 4,239 firearms in carry-on luggage at airport checkpoints in 2018, averaging roughly 11.6 firearms per day. That total was about 7 percent higher than the 3,957 firearms discovered in 2017.
Of particular concern, 86 percent of the firearms found at checkpoints in 2018 were loaded, and 34 percent had a round in the chamber, increasing the risk of an accidental discharge during screening or handling.
TSA provides clear instructions on how to legally and safely travel with firearms and ammunition. Travelers who fail to follow these rules and airport policies can face criminal charges, even if the firearm is concealed or the person holds a permit.
For a first offense involving a handgun brought to a checkpoint, a typical civil penalty is $3,900; however, TSA can impose weapon violation fines up to $13,000 depending on the circumstances. Airlines may also impose additional requirements for transporting firearms and ammunition, so passengers should review both TSA guidance and their carrier’s policies before traveling.