A Pennsylvania resident was arrested this week after he was allegedly found with a loaded gun at Newark Liberty International Airport.
According to NBC News, the incident took place on Thanksgiving Day, when Transportation Security Administration agents discovered a 9mm handgun in the man’s carry-on bag. Authorities say the weapon was loaded with 13 bullets, including one in the chamber.
“Getting caught with and arrested for carrying a loaded gun at our airport means this individual had a pretty bad Thanksgiving,” Thomas Carter, TSA federal security director for New Jersey, told the outlet. “Our TSA officers are on the job this busy holiday weekend so that others can reach their destinations safely and spend the holiday with their family and friends.”
Carter said the man will not only face criminal charges, but also a “stiff federal financial civil penalty that could run into thousands of dollars.” The TSA said the man, who has not been publicly identified, is the third person to be arrested at Newark airport this month for having a firearm in their carry-on. The incident also marked the 14th gun to be found by airport security in 2022.
“Our team is staying vigilant and focused on the mission to help ensure that prohibited items are not carried onto a flight,” Carter added.
Airline passengers are permitted to travel with guns under certain limitations. According to the TSA website, the firearms must be properly packaged in checked baggage and declared at the ticket counter. The guns must also be unloaded and packed separately from ammunition.
