By: Richard L. Smith
A Westchester County, N.Y., man was arrested on Tuesday, August 6, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport found a firearm in his carry-on luggage.
The handgun, accompanied by a magazine loaded with five bullets, was detected at a Terminal B checkpoint as the man’s belongings passed through the X-ray machine.
The suspect, a resident of Bedford, N.Y., was preparing to board a flight to Nice, France. Upon discovering the firearm,
Officials said TSA officers immediately alerted Port Authority Police, who confiscated the weapon and arrested the man.
Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, emphasized the importance of travelers being mindful of the contents of their carry-on bags, especially when flying internationally.
“Carrying a gun into an airport checkpoint introduces risks to everyone in the area. Responsible owners of firearms know where their guns are at all times, and they know not to bring them to airport checkpoints. In addition to being arrested, this individual now faces a hefty federal civil penalty that could cost him thousands of dollars,” Carter stated.
Carter also commended the TSA officers for their vigilance. “This summer has been the busiest period of travel that our agency has seen, and I commend our officers for remaining focused on the mission during this busy time.”
Bringing a weapon to a TSA checkpoint can result in a federal penalty of up to $15,000, depending on the circumstances.
The TSA reserves the right to issue civil penalties to travelers found with guns and firearm parts at checkpoints.