Glut Of Gun Seizures Continues At Pittsburgh International Airport

PITTSBURGH, PA — A West Virginia man faces charges after allegedly attempting to get a loaded firearm through a Pittsburgh International Airport security checkpoint Tuesday.

Franklin Barker, 58, was charged after Transportation Security Administration officers observed the handgun in his backpack and notified Allegheny County police, who notified the FBI.

Authorities determined Barker did not possess a valid concealed carry permit. He faces one misdemeanor charge of carrying a firearm without a license.

Passengers who bring firearms into an airport security checkpoint can face federal civil fines from the Transportation Security Administration up to $10,000, police said. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $13,910.

Thus far this year, 18 firearms have been confiscated at airport security checkpoints. Five of those seizures occurred in May.