Ohio man charged after handgun discovered at Pittsburgh International Airport security
Pittsburgh, PA – A routine security screening at Pittsburgh International Airport led to criminal charges Saturday after Transportation Security Administration officers discovered a handgun inside a passenger’s carry-on bag. The incident prompted an immediate law enforcement response and a federal notification.
At approximately 3:11 p.m., TSA officers identified the firearm at the airport’s main security checkpoint and alerted Allegheny County Police. Officers responded and launched an on-site investigation into the passenger and the weapon.
Passenger identified, charged at checkpoint
Allegheny County Police identified the passenger as 49-year-old Joshua Seese of Lowellville, Ohio. According to officials, Seese did not have a valid concealed carry permit at the time of the incident.
“County Police have charged an Ohio man after a firearm was discovered at the security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport,” the Allegheny County Police Department stated. “At 3:11 pm on April 4, Transportation Security Administration officers observed a handgun within a passenger’s carry-on bag at the main security checkpoint of Pittsburgh International Airport and alerted Allegheny County Police.”
Key Points
- Handgun discovered in carry-on bag at Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoint
- Ohio man identified and charged with carrying a firearm without a license
- TSA warns violators can face fines up to $10,000 or more for repeat offenses
Seese is facing one misdemeanor charge for carrying a firearm without a license. Authorities also confirmed the Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified following the incident.
Federal penalties possible for airport firearm violations
Officials emphasized that bringing a firearm into an airport security checkpoint can result in significant penalties beyond local charges. “Passengers who bring firearms into an airport security checkpoint can face federal civil fines from the Transportation Security Administration up to $10,000,” the department stated. “Repeat offenders can be fined up to $13,910.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details about the firearm or travel plans have been released.