Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Harrisburg International Airport intercepted a loaded handgun at the security checkpoint on Monday, March 10 from a man from Schuylkill County.
The finding marks the first such incident at the airport this year.
According to a press release from the TSA, the 9mm firearm, loaded with seven bullets including one in the chamber, was discovered during routine X-ray screening. The checkpoint lane was immediately halted, and local police were called to the scene.
Officers removed the carry-on bag from the X-ray machine, secured the firearm, and cited the man on a weapons charge. The individual, a resident of Orwigsburg, Pa., was allowed to return the firearm to his vehicle. TSA officials did not disclose the man's identity.
Gerardo Spero, TSA's Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of following proper firearm transportation procedures. "Let this be an important reminder to firearm owners that they should not bring their guns to our checkpoints," Spero stated. "Don’t be that guy."
Spero further explained that travelers intending to fly with firearms must ensure the weapon is unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case, and declared at the airline check-in counter. The firearm will then be transported in the aircraft's cargo hold to prevent in-flight access. TSA provides detailed guidelines on firearm transportation on its website.
This is the first firearm detected at Harrisburg International Airport in 2024, following four such incidents in 2023.
Travelers found with firearms at checkpoints face significant consequences, including federal civil penalties that can reach up to $15,000 depending on the circumstances. This applies to both concealed carry permit holders and TSA PreCheck® members, who risk losing their expedited screening privileges if caught with a weapon.
TSA officers follow strict procedures when a firearm is identified in an X-ray unit. The conveyor belt is stopped, and police are immediately contacted. TSA officers do not handle firearms; instead, law enforcement takes control, determining whether the traveler will face arrest or a citation. Such incidents frequently disrupt checkpoint operations, delaying dozens of passengers in the process.
Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local firearm laws, which vary by state and municipality, and to check with their airline for additional requirements when transporting firearms and ammunition.