JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) said they’ve intercepted 23 firearms at the security checkpoints so far in 2024.
“Passengers should pack for a trip starting with an empty bag to be sure they are not carrying prohibited items before they enter our checkpoints,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Mississippi Kim Jackson. “Make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on bag and also check that you do not have a pocketknife or other threats that are not permitted in the cabin of the aircraft.”
According to the TSA, most items that are prohibited in your carry-on bag can be placed in a checked bag. But anything that is flammable, corrosive or explosive cannot travel anywhere on the plane.
When will you need a REAL ID? It may be complicated If you are going to travel with your firearm, officials said it must be in your checked bag, unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case. You must declare it to the airline at check-in. Travelers are responsible for being aware of what the firearm laws are on each side of their trip or they may be cited or heading to jail instead of to their vacation or business trip. Firearms may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.
According to the TSA, the most recent firearm intercepted by TSA at the Jackson checkpoints was on Monday, September 16 when a 28-year-old man headed for Charlotte entered the checkpoint with a loaded Glock. On August 31, a 43-year-old woman headed to Atlanta entered the checkpoint with a loaded Ruger with ammunition chambered. On August 26, a 43-year-old man headed to Houston entered the checkpoint with a loaded Ruger.
“Last year passengers across the state of Mississippi brought 50 firearms to our security checkpoints with 35 of those in Jackson. So far this calendar year we have stopped 37 firearms across the state with 23 of them here at JAN,” Jackson said. “We are reminding the public to place their firearms in their checked bags and declare them to the airline.”
Specific Year-to-Date Totals for 2024
- Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport – 23
- Gufport-Biloxi International Airport – 10
- Greenville Mid-Delta Regional Airport – 1
- Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport – 1
- Tupelo Regional Airport – 2
TSA explains reasons behind certain screening policies “Thanks to the experience and vigilance of our TSA officers, each of these firearms was intercepted before they could make it into the cabin of an aircraft,” Jackson said.
Many of the passengers across the country who bring firearms to a federal security checkpoint are arrested or issued notices to appear in court. Regardless of whether the individual is arrested or cited by law enforcement, with whom we immediately partner, passengers face a civil penalty imposed by the TSA that can reach nearly $15,000. If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time, possibly permanently.
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