NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport stopped a traveler from bringing a loaded handgun onto their flight Wednesday morning, just four days after they caught a firearm in another traveler’s carry-on bag.
According to officials, a TSA officer alerted Port Authority Police after spotting a .38 caliber handgun at a checkpoint X-ray machine at Terminal A.
The officer confiscated the gun and interviewed the traveler, who was a Staten Island resident.
The weapon was loaded with seven bullets, authorities said.
TSA officers removed a loaded firearm from a Philadelphia, Pa., man’s carry-on backpack on Saturday, June 17, in Terminal C, officials said.
Police confiscated the gun and arrested the traveler.
Each individual faces a federal financial civil penalty of up to $15,000 for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint, depending on the circumstances.
"Summer travel season is in full swing and the airport is extremely busy," Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey said. "If you’re flying this summer, it is vitally important to know that the items you have in your carry-on bag are allowed through our security checkpoints."
"My best advice is that when you’re ready to pack, start with an empty bag so you know with certainty what you’ve got inside and you know that there is nothing prohibited in a side pocket, zippered pouch or just in the bottom of your bag. That goes for backpacks, roller bags, handbags, messenger bags and duffle bags," he added.
Wednesday marked the 10th gun caught at the airport so far this year.
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