RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Transportation Security Administration officers at Long Island McArthur Airport prevented a man from bringing his handgun onto a flight on Monday.
The 9mm firearm was loaded with 10 bullets, authorities said.
The weapon was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint and the X-ray unit alerted on his carry-on bag. It was the first firearm that TSA officers have intercepted at the airport checkpoint this year.
TSA officers notified law enforcement when the firearm was found.
Officials allowed the man to return the firearm to his vehicle. He now faces a federal financial civil penalty of up to $15,000.
"I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to the TSA officers at Long Island who acted to ensure that this traveler did not retain control of his weapon," Robert Duffy, TSA's Federal Security Director for the airport said. "Bringing a gun to an airport security checkpoint introduces unnecessary delays to fellow travelers and of course represents a security risk. Our TSA officers remain vigilant during this busy spring break season to help ensure everyone can travel safely."
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a hard-sided locked case. Then the locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
Last year, 6,735 firearms were caught at airport security checkpoints nationwide, of which 93 percent were loaded.
