An Indiana man is facing charges after a loaded gun was discovered in a carry-on bag at Pittsburgh International Airport on Wednesday.
(Photo Courtesy TSA)
The handgun was intercepted by TSA officials at a checkpoint lane, but the news release did not say what time of day it took place. TSA Acting Field Security Director Donald Weston claimed the suspect “had no idea how the firearm got into his bag.” Other travelers were delayed at the checkpoint until the incident was cleared.
Weston said that the suspect’s actions showed “this individual is careless with how he handles his firearm.” Any firearm should be checked at the check in counter and must be transported unloaded in a hard-sided locked case. The airline will make sure that it is put in the belly of the aircraft.
The name of the suspect was not released, but he could face up to $15,000 in fines as it is considered a civil penalty. And if he had any TSA PreCheck program privileges, those may be revoked. This marks the 38th firearm that was confiscated by TSA agents at the airport this year so far.
