By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man was arrested on Saturday, May 25, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport found a loaded handgun in his carry-on luggage.
According to a statement released by TSA, the 9mm firearm discovered in the man's backpack was equipped with two loaded gun magazines holding a total of 30 bullets.
The incident occurred as the man's backpack entered the checkpoint X-ray machine, where TSA officers detected the weapon.
TSA officials said Port Authority Police were immediately notified, responded to the Terminal A checkpoint, confiscated the firearm, and arrested the individual on a state weapons charge.
"This Memorial Day Holiday Weekend has been extremely busy at Newark Liberty International Airport and other airports in the New York metropolitan area and across the country," said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey.
"Our officers are proficient in their duties, and even with high volumes at checkpoints, they remain alert and vigilant in screening travelers. I commend our officers for preventing an individual from boarding a plane with a loaded firearm."
The arrested man faces not only criminal charges but also a significant federal financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint.
The penalty for such an offense can be as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.
TSA officials said they retain the authority to issue civil penalties to travelers found with guns and firearm parts at checkpoints.
This policy applies to all individuals, regardless of whether they have concealed gun carry permits, as such permits do not allow firearms to be carried onto airplanes.
A comprehensive list of civil penalties is available online. Additionally, travelers with firearms who are members of TSA PreCheck® will lose their PreCheck privileges.
"Travelers must be more vigilant about the items in their carry-on bags," Carter emphasized. "They are responsible for their belongings, and responsible gun owners always know the location of their firearms and understand that firearms are not permitted at security checkpoints."