A Johnstown man was stopped at the security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport on Tuesday when a loaded handgun was discovered in his carry-on bag , according to the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA contacted Allegheny County police, who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the .380-caliber handgun and detained the man for questioning.
It was loaded with six bullets, including one in the chamber, the TSA said.
This was the 27th gun stopped by TSA officers at the airport checkpoint this year. In 2018, TSA officers caught 34 firearms at the checkpoint.
People who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. Even travelers with concealed firearm permits aren’t allowed to bring guns onto airplanes in their carry-on bags, according to the TSA.
TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,333 for weapons violations. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $4,000.
The complete list of penalties can be found online. To see how to properly travel with a firearm, visit the TSA’s website.
