If you're caught with a gun at Pittsburgh International Airport, it may now cost you your concealed carry permit.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen Kaufman announced a new initiative Wednesday to crack down on the influx of guns confiscated at the airport's security checkpoints.
If a passenger is caught with a gun in their carry-on bag, law enforcement will contact the sheriff in that person's home county and ask for their concealed carry permit to be revoked.
At a news conference Wednesday, Kaufman said it's time to up the consequences on a growing issue.
"Almost inevitably, the passenger being interviewed claims that they forgot that the gun was in their bag and no criminal charges are filed," he said. " Nevertheless, bringing guns to the checkpoint is completely unacceptable and poses a serious security risk. In order to send the message that airport security checkpoints and guns don't mix, we need a deterrent strategy, in addition to the stiff civil penalties issued by TSA."
He said the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office is already cooperating with the initiative.
TSA officers at Pittsburgh International have confiscated 27 guns in 2021, compared to 35 in all of 2019. Most of them have been loaded.
TSA Federal Security Director Karen Keys-Turner called the issue an epidemic.
"It's an epidemic that is alarming and also very preventable," she said.
Travelers are allowed to bring their guns with them, but they must be checked and declared at the ticketing counter. They must also be unloaded and stored in a hard, locked case.
