Loaded Gun Found In Traveler's Bag At Philly International Airport

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia-area man was cited and had his gun taken after Transportation Security Administration at Philadelphia International Airport found a loaded firearm in his carry-on bag.

TSA said the gun was found Monday at a security checkpoint x-ray scanner. The scanner alerted to the bag, and after closer inspection, officers found a 9mm handgun loaded with six rounds.

The man, from Coatesville, was cited by local police, who also confiscated the weapon. TSA said the Chester County man also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.

"Our officers are well trained and remain vigilant in their mission, especially during the long Thanksgiving holiday travel period," said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. "There is no excuse for bringing a gun to the checkpoint. Responsible gun owners do not bring their guns to a checkpoint. The Monday after Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest days of the year as people who have been on an extended Thanksgiving trip continue to make their way home. This was irresponsible on the part of this traveler on one of the busiest days of the year. Incidents such as this are dangerous, they disrupt our security screening operations and cause delays for other law-abiding travelers who just want to get on their flight to travel for the holiday. This man now faces a Federal civil penalty that could cost him thousands of dollars."

As of Monday, TSA has caught 42 firearms at the Philadelphia International Airport this year. Last year, 44 firearms were caught.