Pittsburgh Airport Sets Single-Year Record For Gun Confiscations

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP, PA — The single-year record for the number of loaded guns confiscated at Pittsburgh International Airport was shattered Tuesday when Transportation Security officials seized the 36th weapon in 2023.

The previous record of 35 was set in 2019. The record-breaker resulted in the arrest of a Uniontown man.

According to Allegheny County Police, TSA officers observed a loaded Springfield 9mm handgun in a passenger's carry-on bag at the airport's main security checkpoint.

Police determined that Domonique Hickenbottom, 29, did not possess a valid concealed carry permit and was a person not to possess a firearm under state law.

Police said Hickenbottom is in custody and will be charged with persons not to possess a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license, both felony charges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was also notified.

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

Patch reported on Tuesday that other airports across the country are experiencing record or near-record levels of gun confiscations this year.