A Philadelphia man was arrested Monday after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag at Newark Liberty International Airport, officials said. The incident occurred at a Terminal A security checkpoint on April 28.
The .40 caliber firearm, loaded with four rounds, was spotted during routine screening. TSA officers immediately alerted Port Authority Police, who responded to the scene, confiscated the weapon, and took the man into custody.
This marks the third firearm intercepted at Newark Liberty checkpoints this month and the 10th this year. In comparison, TSA officers stopped 21 guns at the airport throughout all of 2024. The number of firearms detected has steadily increased since 2018, when 14 guns were caught.
“It is inexcusable for someone to bring a loaded gun to a security checkpoint,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Responsible gun owners know where their firearm is at all times and knowing that it cannot be carried into the cabin of an airplane.”
Penalties and firearm rules reinforced amid rising incidents
The federal penalty for bringing a firearm to a TSA checkpoint can reach up to $15,000. TSA notes that civil penalties apply regardless of whether a traveler possesses a concealed carry permit. In addition to the fine, individuals may lose TSA PreCheck® privileges.
According to TSA regulations, firearms may only be transported if they are unloaded, secured in a locked, hard-sided case, and declared to the airline for checked baggage. Guns are not permitted in the aircraft cabin under any circumstance.
The TSA has reminded travelers that improperly transporting firearms not only disrupts airport operations but also subjects offenders to criminal charges and federal penalties.