Gun Seizure Slows Down Checkpoint At Newark Airport On Busy Day: TSA

NEWARK, NJ — Are you a “responsible gun owner?” Then you know not to try and bring your firearm through an airport security checkpoint as a carry-on item, authorities say.

On Friday – the busiest day in the history of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) operations in Newark – an incident involving a gun slowed things down at Terminal B, the agency reported.

Here’s what happened, according to the TSA:

“When the TSA officer at Newark spotted the handgun in the checkpoint x-ray machine, Port Authority police were alerted, came to the Terminal B checkpoint, confiscated the gun and interviewed the traveler, a resident of Woodbridge, before arresting him on a weapons charge. The firearm was loaded with seven bullets.”

In addition to being arrested, the gun’s owner also faces a federal financial civil penalty that can run up to $15,000, depending on the circumstances, authorities said.

TSA officers screened 2,884,683 travelers across the country on Friday and locally screened 83,041 passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport: both marking the highest checkpoint volumes ever, both nationwide and in Newark.

When someone shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the lane comes to a standstill until police can resolve the incident, authorities say.

Friday’s incident was the second gun that TSA officers prevented from being carried onto a flight that week. Officers also detected a firearm on July 25 at Newark – another extremely hectic day that also saw complications due to the weather, authorities said.

• See Related: Improperly Checked Gun Causes Delay On Hectic Day At Newark Airport

“Summer has been extremely busy and Friday was the busiest day ever in TSA’s 21-year history here at Newark Liberty International Airport,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s federal security director for New Jersey.

“Carrying prohibited or illegal items to security checkpoints slows down the security lines for everyone,” Carter said. “If you’re flying this summer, it is vitally important to know that the items you have in your carry-on bag are allowed through our security checkpoints.”

“My best advice is that when you’re ready to pack, start with an empty bag so you know with certainty what you’ve got inside and you know that there is nothing prohibited in a side pocket, zippered pouch or just in the bottom of your bag,” he said. “That goes for backpacks, roller bags, handbags, messenger bags and duffle bags.”

Firearms should never be brought to the security checkpoint in carry-on luggage, Carter added.

“Responsible gun owners know this,” he said.

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.

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