TSA intercepts unloaded gun at Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoint

NEWARK, N.J. - An Essex County, N.J., man was arrested by police Thursday, July 11, when Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport intercepted an unloaded .22 caliber handgun among the man's carry-on items. The antique handgun was not loaded.

The TSA officer detected the unloaded handgun as the man's carry-on items entered the checkpoint X-ray machine. Port Authority Police were alerted, came to the Terminal C checkpoint, confiscated the unloaded firearm and arrested the man, a resident of Verona, N.J.

"Travelers need to pay more attention to the items that they have inside their carry-on bags," said Thomas Carter TSA's Federal Security Director for New Jersey. "Travelers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags. In addition, responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and they know not to bring them to a security checkpoint. Bringing guns to checkpoints is a serious security violation."

Carter praised the TSA officers for their good catch. "This is the busiest period of travel that our agency has seen and I commend our officers for remaining vigilant and staying focused on the mission during this busy time."

In addition to his arrest, the man also faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint. The penalty for bringing a weapon to a TSA checkpoint can cost as much as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and firearm parts with them at a checkpoint. This applies to individuals with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a firearm is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

TSA firearms catches at airport checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport, 2018 to 2024

Guns can be transported on a flight if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline. The airline will be sure that the gun travels with checked baggage in the belly of the plane, never in the cabin of the plane. Additionally, replica firearms also are prohibited in carry-on baggage and also must be transported in checked luggage.

TSA reminds people to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to help determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the "Can I Bring?" feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.