West Chester Man Tried To Bring Loaded Gun On Flight: TSA

WEST CHESTER, PA — A West Chester man tried to bring a loaded revolver with him in his carry-on bag on a flight from Philadelphia International Airport this week, authorities said.

A checkpoint x-ray unit alerted a Transportation Security Administration officer of the weapon.

In addition to the .38 caliber revolver, which was loaded with six bullets, officials found nine additional bullets.

Police confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on the scene.

"It is disappointing to continue to see travelers bring their firearms to our checkpoints," Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport, said in a statement. "Loaded guns represent a threat because the intention of the traveler is unknown."

The man also faces a stiff federal financial penalty that is likely to run into the thousands of dollars.

So far in 2024, TSA has found 38 firearms at the Philadelphia International Airport. In 2023, 45 were found.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Max Bennett