TSA officers at Pittsburgh International Airport stopped a traveler attempting to bring a loaded handgun through security. The man now faces potential penalties of up to $15,000 for violating TSA firearm regulations.

PITTSBURGH, PA (2-minute read) — TSA officers at Pittsburgh International Airport halted a loaded handgun at the security checkpoint on Friday, November 8. The firearm, a .40 caliber loaded with 13 rounds, was found in a man’s carry-on bag, prompting an immediate response to remove the bag from the screening area.

After TSA identified the firearm in the X-ray machine, the security line was paused while airport police secured the bag and confiscated the firearm. This delay, which occurred during a high-traffic time, inconvenienced other travelers waiting in line. The firearm owner, a man from Allison Park, Pennsylvania, was informed of the serious consequences of bringing a loaded gun to airport security.

Acting Federal Security Director for PIT, Donald Weston, urged travelers to exercise caution and awareness regarding firearms at airport checkpoints. “One of the main reasons we are here at a checkpoint is to help ensure that weapons are not carried onto flights. So don’t come to the airport expecting to carry your gun through the checkpoint. If you must travel with your firearm, the proper way to do it is to make sure it’s  unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case and taken to the airline check-in counter. The airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the aircraft.”

BEGINNERS GUIDE: Essential Tips for Flying with Firearms in Checked Luggage

TSA provides comprehensive guidance on traveling with firearms on its website, emphasizing that travelers who attempt to bring firearms through security face civil penalties of up to $15,000. These fines apply regardless of whether the individual holds a concealed carry permit, as no permit allows for firearms in an airplane cabin. Additionally, TSA PreCheck® members will lose their privileges if they violate firearm regulations at security checkpoints.

Safety Tip: When flying with firearms, confirm airline and TSA guidelines well in advance. Firearms should be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared at the airline counter.