Record-Setting Pace of Weapons Seized At Pittsburgh Airport Continues

PITTSBURGH, PA — Two people have been charged in separate instances this week in which passengers attempted to pass firearms through the main security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport.

According to Allegheny County police, Transportation Security Administration officers on Wednesday observed a loaded Ruger LCP .380 caliber handgun within a passenger’s carry-on bag at the airport's main security checkpoint.

Police determined that Nicholas Bello, 32, of Mt. Lebanon did not have a valid concealed carry permit. He faces a misdemeanor count of carrying a firearm without a license.

On Thursday, TSA officers observed a loaded Walther PK .380 caliber handgun within a passenger’s carry-on bag at security checkpoint and alerted police.

Police determined that Luis Arce, 35, of Somerville, MA did not have a valid concealed carry permit. He also faces a misdemeanor count of carrying a firearm without a license.

Arce’s gun was the 42nd gun seized at the airport this year, continuing a record-setting pace of weapons confiscated during a single year. The previous record was 35 in 2019.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was also notified of each incident this week.

County police have now filed charges against 14 individuals in 2023 for bringing firearms illegally to the airport. 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.