TSA reports finding 50 firearms at Tampa airport

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Security officials at Tampa International Airport have confiscated dozens of guns from passengers already this year, and the majority were loaded.

“Keep your guns at home, you do not have to travel with them,” traveler Rick Powell said.

That message so far, has not gotten through to some passengers. TPA officers have screened nearly seven million passengers, some bringing in prohibited items through checkpoints.

“Some are bringing knives, some are bringing firearms,” Deputy Federal Director of TSA Jesus Serrano said.

In total, 64 guns were confiscated throughout the Tampa Bay area at TPA, PIE in St. Petersburg, and SRQ in Sarasota/Bradenton. 50 of those were discovered by the Transportation Security Administration in Tampa. According to the TSA, 49 of the guns were loaded.

“The vast majority of the people forget that they’re traveling, there’s a weapon in their carry-on. So, one of our suggestions is right before you start packing your bag, empty your bags,” Serrano said.

Serrano said to be mindful of what you pack. You don’t want to get caught with a firearm because of the hefty fines and consequences.

“Passengers would face enforcement action by TSA, and this may lead to a civil penalty of up to $15,000. You could lose your pre-check clearance,” Serrano said.

Airport officials said that if you plan on traveling with a firearm, it must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case. It also needs to be declared to your airline as checked baggage.

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