TSA intercepts handgun in carry-on bag at WB/Scranton International Airport
Apr. 7—PITTSTON TOWNSHIP — Transportation Security Administration officers at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Friday
,
April 4,
intercepted a 9mm handgun loaded with 11 bullets at a checkpoint.
It was the first firearm that TSA officers have detected at the airport checkpoint this year. In 2024, TSA workers intercepted four firearms at the airport.
The weapon was caught as the man, a resident of Honesdale, entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted officers that the firearm was among the man's carry-on items. TSA officials notified the police, who ensured that the man did not retain possession of the firearm.
The man will likely face a stiff financial civil penalty. Civil penalties for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.
"Responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and they know not to bring them to a security checkpoint," said Gerardo Spero, TSA's federal security director for Pennsylvania and Delaware. "Travelers who own firearms need to know that guns can't be carried into the cabin of a plane."
TSA officials said passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a hard-sided locked case. Then the locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
TSA officials said bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint also carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them.
The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
TSA officials said firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and individuals who want to travel with their gun should do their homework to make sure that they are not violating any local firearm laws. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
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