The Transportation Security Administration caught its fourth gun this month at a security checkpoint on Monday.
This time, it was an Wexford man who had a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag. The gun was spotted during an x-ray. The TSA called Allegheny County Police who confiscated the 9mm loaded with 18 bullets.
Karen Keys-Turner, TSA's Federal Security Director for the Pittsburgh airport says “The prevalence of guns being brought to our checkpoints by travelers has got to stop.
"Guns are not allowed to be carried onto planes; with or without a concealed carry permit. That’s no secret. It's common sense. No guns on planes has been a policy since long before TSA was established 19 years ago, so it’s nothing new. All of these individuals now face stiff Federal financial civil penalties that can cost them thousands of dollars."
Guns were also caught on February 4, 8 and 12.
So far this year, 5 guns have been caught by TSA officials. In all of 2020, that number was 21.
Passengers can travel with firearms, but they must comply with TSA rules in order to do so.
Getting caught with a firearm at the airport can lead to a fine of more than $13,000.