Weapons At Newark Airport: Feds Seize 2 Guns, Hunting Knife

NEWARK, NJ — A pair of handguns and a hunting knife are the latest weapons to be seized at Newark Liberty International Airport, authorities recently announced.

Police arrested an Indiana resident last week after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers removed the components of a handgun and 15 bullets in two of the man’s carry-on bags at a Terminal B security checkpoint.

TSA officials released the following statement about the Nov. 16 arrest:

“The 9mm handgun was detected when the TSA officer who was staffing a checkpoint X-ray monitor spotted the firearm parts inside two of the man’s carry-on bags. When the bags were searched, the components of the firearm were found along with the ammunition. Had the components been assembled, they would have resulted in the use of a working gun. TSA officials alerted Port Authority police, who confiscated the handgun components and arrested the man on weapons charges. The traveler told officials that he had driven to the area, however his car was stolen, so he was flying home to Indiana and he thought it would be okay to travel with a disassembled gun. However, firearms and firearm parts are prohibited through a security checkpoint.”

It was the 12th gun seized at one of the airport checkpoints so far this year, officials noted. Read More: Here's How Many Guns Are Seized At Newark Airport Every Year

A day later, authorities made another arrest at Newark Airport. This time, it involved an Illinois resident, who was stopped with a loaded handgun and a 9-inch hunting knife, TSA officials said.

According to the TSA:

“The 9mm handgun caught on Thursday was loaded with 12 bullets, including one in the chamber. The man also was in possession of a 9-inch hunting knife. Both weapons were detected when the TSA officer, who was staffing a checkpoint X-ray monitor. TSA officials alerted Port Authority police, who confiscated the weapons and arrested him on weapons charges.”

Thomas Carter, TSA Federal Security Director for New Jersey, said that it’s a good time of the year for gun owners to refresh themselves with firearm transportation laws – especially if they plan on bringing their firearm along for the trip.

“It is a good idea to start with an empty bag when packing, because it’s not always easy to remember what you may have placed in your backpack, messenger bag or handbag two weeks ago,” Carter said.

As for guns, TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website, Carter added.

Last year, TSA officers detected 5,972 guns at security checkpoints nationwide; 86 percent of them were loaded.

According to the TSA, the penalties for making a mistake can be serious, even if you have a concealed carry permit:

“Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and passengers should do their homework to make sure that they are not violating any local firearm laws. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.”

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