NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport intercepted a handgun by a Pennsylvania man at a security checkpoint on Wednesday, officials said.
Port Authority Police arrested the man after the .380 caliber gun, which was loaded with six bullets, was caught by TSA.
Twelve additional accessible bullets were also detected in the man’s carry-on bag in two additional gun magazines.
"This individual told us that he did not realize that he had his loaded gun with him" said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. "If you own a firearm, you need to know where it is at all times. That’s a vital part of being a responsible gun owner. Not only was this individual arrested, but he now also faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty that could cost him thousands of dollars. That’s a very expensive mistake to make."
"I commend our officers for remaining vigilant during this busy travel time of year,” Carter added. "They are good at keeping prohibited and illegal items from passing through the airport checkpoints."
This gun tied the record at 20 guns caught in a single year, authorities said.