By: Richard L. Smith
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers successfully prevented two separate travelers from carrying handguns through a security checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday, March 15.
According to a statement released by TSA officials, the incidents were unrelated but occurred on the same day.
In the first case, a man from Mountain Lakes, N.J., was stopped after TSA officers detected a 9mm handgun loaded with four bullets in his carry-on bag.
The traveler claimed he had forgotten the firearm was inside his bag.
Later that day, a man from Pearl River, N.Y., was also flagged at a checkpoint when TSA officers found his 9mm handgun loaded with six rounds.
Although both individuals possessed firearm permits, law enforcement did not issue citations or make arrests, as carrying guns through a TSA checkpoint remains prohibited regardless of licensing.
"Travelers always need to know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint and ensure that there is nothing illegal or prohibited inside,” TSA officials emphasized in the statement.
Federal regulations impose strict penalties on travelers who attempt to bring weapons through TSA security checkpoints.
Depending on the circumstances, individuals could face civil fines of up to $15,000. TSA reiterated that even those with concealed carry permits are not allowed to bring firearms onto an aircraft. 
Passengers transporting firearms must follow TSA guidelines, which require guns to be unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case, and declared at the airline check-in counter for proper transport in checked baggage.