Syracuse Hancock International Airport TSA intercepts firearm at airport checkpoint

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers intercepted a loaded firearm at Syracuse Hancock International Airport that was detected in a traveler’s carry-on items at the checkpoint yesterday, Tuesday, July 23.

A .45 caliber handgun was found loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber.

TSA notified airport authority police, who took away the firearm and detained the man, a resident of Utica for questioning, before releasing him to catch his flight.

“This was the third firearm that our officers have intercepted so far this year,” said Bart R. Johnson TSA’s Federal Security Director for Upstate New York. “It’s disappointing to see travelers bring their loaded guns to our checkpoints, especially individuals who have a state permit to carry.”

Johnson also said people who have a state permit to carry a deadly firearm should know where their guns are at all times and know that they cannot bring one past TSA and onto a flight.

“It is part of being a responsible gun owner. Instead, this individual introduced a security threat to the checkpoint. Now this man faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty that is likely to cost him thousands of dollars,” said Johnson.

When a firearm is detected at a TSA checkpoint, officers immediately stop the checkpoint conveyor belt. The lane comes to a standstill. Local law enforcement is contacted, who come to the checkpoint, remove the carry-on bag from the X-ray unit and then remove the passenger and the carry-on bag containing the firearm from the checkpoint area.

TSA may also issue a financial civil fine. The civil penalty for bringing weapons to checkpoints can go as high as $15,000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.