By: Richard L. Smith
An Irvington Township man missed his flight and was escorted out of Newark Liberty International Airport by police on Thursday, June 20, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers intercepted a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag.
TSA officials said the .45 caliber firearm was detected in the traveler’s book bag during routine screening.
A TSA officer identified the handgun as the bag passed through the checkpoint X-ray machine.
Port Authority Police were immediately notified and responded to the Terminal A checkpoint, where they escorted the man and his weapon out of the airport.
Although the man had a New Jersey permit to carry the firearm and was not arrested, he was unable to board his flight.
In addition to missing his flight, the individual now faces a significant federal civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint.
The TSA enforces strict regulations regarding firearms, and depending on the circumstances, penalties for bringing a weapon to a checkpoint can reach up to $15,000.
TSA officials said this rule applies regardless of whether the individual possesses a concealed gun carry permit; as such, a permit does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane.