By: Richard L. Smith
A Hopelawn man was taken into custody Friday morning after authorities say he attempted to bring a loaded handgun through a security checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport.
According to a statement released by TSA and RSA officials, the incident occurred on March 28, when Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered a 9mm handgun in the man’s carry-on luggage during routine screening.
The firearm was immediately flagged, prompting TSA agents to alert Port Authority Police, who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the weapon, and arrested the traveler on the spot.
The TSA emphasized that bringing a firearm to a checkpoint is a serious federal offense.
Depending on the circumstances, violators can face a civil penalty of up to $15,000, regardless of whether they possess a valid concealed carry permit.
Federal law prohibits firearms from being carried into the passenger cabin of an aircraft.
Authorities reminded the public that firearms may only be transported by air if they are unloaded, secured in a locked hard-sided case, and declared to the airline at check-in. In such cases, the firearm must travel in checked luggage and is never permitted in the cabin of the plane.
The man’s name has not yet been released. An investigation is ongoing.