PITTSBURGH, PA – County police said the incident unfolded at 6:37 a.m. Friday when Transportation Security Administration officers identified a handgun during screening at a security checkpoint. The discovery led to an immediate alert to Allegheny County Police, who responded and began an investigation at the scene.
According to a statement from the Allegheny County Police Department, “At 6:37 am on July 17, Transportation Security Administration officers observed a handgun within a passenger’s carry-on bag at the security checkpoint of Pittsburgh International Airport and alerted Allegheny County Police.”
Passenger identified and charged
Officers identified the passenger as 33-year-old Richard Perez of Monroeville. Investigators determined that Perez did not have a valid concealed carry permit at the time of the incident.
Police confirmed, “County Police identified the passenger as 33-year-old Richard Perez and determined Perez did not possess a valid concealed carry permit. Perez is charged with carrying a firearm without a license.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation was also notified following the discovery.
Federal penalties possible for airport violations
Officials reiterated that bringing a firearm into an airport security checkpoint can carry significant financial penalties at the federal level. The Transportation Security Administration enforces civil fines that can reach up to $10,000 for a first offense.
The department noted, “Passengers who bring firearms into an airport security checkpoint can face federal civil fines from the Transportation Security Administration up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $13,910.”
The case remains under investigation, and no additional details about Perez’s travel plans or intent have been released.