Gun Seized At Newark Airport On Busy Memorial Day Weekend

NEWARK, NJ — Police arrested a New Jersey man after he brought a loaded gun through a security checkpoint at Newark Airport over the Memorial Day weekend.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport intercepted a loaded handgun among the traveler’s carry-on items on Saturday. The 9mm firearm was packed with two loaded gun magazines – a total of 30 bullets, authorities said.

The TSA officer detected the handgun in the man’s backpack as it entered the checkpoint X-ray machine. Port Authority police were alerted, came to the Terminal A checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the Newark resident on a state weapons charge.

In addition to being arrested, the individual also faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint. The penalty for bringing a weapon to a TSA checkpoint can cost as much as $15,000, depending on the circumstances, authorities said.

The incident took place on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, which experts predicted would reach record-setting proportions in 2024.

“It has been a very busy Memorial Day Holiday Weekend travel period here at Newark Liberty International Airport as well as other airports here in the New York metropolitan area as well as across the country,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s federal security director for New Jersey.

“Our officers are good at their jobs and even with sky-high checkpoint volume, they remain alert and vigilant in screening individuals who are arriving at our checkpoints,” Carter said. “I commend our officers on their good catch in preventing an individual from boarding a plane with a loaded firearm.”

According to the TSA, guns can be transported on a flight if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline. The airline will be sure that the gun travels with checked baggage in the belly of the plane, never in the cabin of the plane. Additionally, replica firearms also are prohibited in carry-on baggage and also must be transported in checked luggage.

It was the fifth gun seized at the airport this year, authorities said.

• See Related: More Guns Seized At Newark Airport In 2023, Federal Data Shows

Authorities issued the following reminder in the wake of last weekend’s incident at Newark Airport:

“The TSA reminds people to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. The TSA has multiple resources available to help determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.”

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