Record-tying number of firearm caught at Philadelphia International Airport: TSA
PHILADELPHIA - TSA Agents at Philadelphia International Airport have stopped 44 guns from being brought onto planes by travelers this year, tying a record set in 2022.
The latest bust happened Friday when authorities say a Philadelphia man was caught with a loaded .40 caliber handgun in his carry-on bag.
Authorities say it was the third traveler found with a gun in a five-day span at Philadelphia International Airport.
"There is no excuse for bringing a gun to the checkpoint," TSA's Federal Security Director at PHL Gerardo Spero said. "This is not the type of record we seek to set."
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The .40 caliber handgun found on Friday was confiscated by the Philadelphia Police Department, and the traveler was cited on a weapons charge, authorities said.
The traveler also faces a "stiff financial penalty" that could reach as high a $15k, according to the TSA.
"Responsible gun owners know that they cannot carry a gun onto their flight and they know how to properly pack their gun in a checked bag," Spero said.
The TSA has a guide for gun owners on how to legally travel with a firearm and ammunition posted on its website.