A Florida man was apprehended by TSA officers at Raleigh County Memorial Airport in West Virginia after trying to bring a loaded pistol onto a plane. The incident was spotted by a TSA officer during the X-ray screening process. Upon investigation, the man was allowed to return the gun to his vehicle, but now faces a stiff federal financial penalty for violating airport security regulations.
According to TSA Press Secretary Carter Langston, incidents like these are becoming increasingly common as people forget that they are carrying firearms with them. Langston emphasized the importance of following proper protocols for traveling with firearms and warned that individuals who fail to do so can face fines of up to $15,000 and even arrest in some cases.
John C. Allen, TSA Federal Security Director for West Virginia, reminded travelers that bringing guns into the cabin of a plane has been strictly prohibited for decades. He stressed that responsible gun owners should know the regulations and ensure their firearms are not brought onto flights.
The TSA has been actively intercepting firearms at airport checkpoints, with over 1,800 firearms stopped during the third quarter of 2023. They are on track to surpass last year’s record of 6,542 firearm interceptions by the end of this year. The TSA encourages travelers to familiarize themselves with the contents of their carry-on bags before arriving at the security checkpoint.
To assist travelers, the TSA provides resources such as the “Can I Bring?” feature on their website and the myTSA app. Travelers can also reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter or send a text message if they have any questions or uncertainties about items allowed through security.
It is important for all passengers to prioritize safety and abide by airport security regulations to ensure smooth and secure travel experiences.
