Loaded gun found in carry-on at State College Regional Airport: TSA

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A loaded handgun was found in a carry-on bag at State College Regional Airport Tuesday morning, TSA officials announced.

TSA officers discovered the .357, loaded with five bullets, at a security checkpoint when a resident of Mifflin, Pa. put his carry-on through the X-ray unit. Officials notified police who then allowed the man to leave the airport with his firearm.

The Mifflin man will face a “stiff” penalty that could reach a maximum of $15,000.

“This was the second firearm that our officers have intercepted at the airport in the last month. Bringing loaded guns to checkpoints is a serious security violation and this individual can expect to receive a federal fine that will be in the thousands of dollars,” Donald Weston, TSA’s Acting Federal Security Director for the airport said. “It is disappointing to continue to see travelers bring their guns to our checkpoints.”

While it’s not illegal to travel with a firearm, there are a few rules gun owners need to follow.

Firearms can only be carried in checked baggage, not carry-ons, but only if they are unloaded. They also have to be packed in a hard-sided locked case, according to TSA. The locked case then needs to be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. You may also need to reach out to your airline to check for any additional restrictions they may have.

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For more information on how to travel with a firearm, click here .

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