Guns seized at Sea-Tac serve as reminder to follow TSA rules when traveling with weapons
Within just a matter of minutes on a Friday morning, TSA workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport discovered two guns in the carry-on luggage of two passengers during routine X-ray screenings.
It appears that the two incidents are not related but although it is legal to travel with firearms, they need to be checked properly at checkpoints.
“As we head into the Labor Day holiday weekend, let the discovery of these two guns serve as a reminder that TSA officers remain vigilant and focused on their mission to keep security threats off commercial aircraft,” Jeff Holmgren, TSA Federal Security Director for Washington, said in a statement.
“If you are planning on traveling with a firearm, avoid making this same mistake, which is inconvenient and expensive.”
The first firearm discovery occurred around 6:15 a.m. when TSA officers found a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun loaded with 14 rounds ammunition in the carry-on bag of a traveler ticketed for travel to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. About five minutes later, an unloaded 9 mm Ruger was detected in the carry-on bag of a traveler headed to Ketchikan International Airport.
TSA notified the Port of Seattle Police Department, and the travelers were interviewed and cited on state charges, the weapons were confiscated and the travelers were permitted to continue to their flights.
According to Lorie Dankers, the spokesperson for TSA, there were nearly 900,000 passengers screened and 16 firearms discovered Thursday during security checks nationwide. That is 1 firearm for every 54,000 passengers who pass through checkpoints.
At Sea-Tac, there have been 34 firearms found by TSA so far this year.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked.
The fine for not following proper firearm safety protocols can result in penalties ranging from $2,000 to more than $13,000. Information on how to properly store a firearm prior to traveling can be seen on the TSA travel website.
This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 1:54 PM.
