By: Richard L. Smith
An investigation is underway after a Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, man was arrested on January 20 at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected a handgun in the man's carry-on bag during routine screening at a Terminal A checkpoint.
The firearm, a 9mm handgun, was accompanied by a folding knife and an additional 12 bullets in a magazine.
The man, a resident of Archbald, Pa., was taken into custody by Port Authority Police.
This marks the first firearm intercepted at Newark Airport’s security checkpoints in 2025. Last year, TSA officers at the airport confiscated a record-breaking 21 firearms during security screenings.
Federal regulations prohibit passengers from bringing firearms to TSA checkpoints, even with a concealed carry permit.
The penalty for attempting so can be as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances. TSA officials emphasized that permits for concealed carry do not authorize firearms to be brought onto airplanes. 
The case remains under investigation, with authorities reminding travelers to review firearm transportation regulations before heading to the airport.