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The pistol — a Smith & Wesson revolver in a holster — was not loaded, TSA said in a statement.
TSA officers detected the gun as the man entered the TSA checkpoint in Terminal B and placed his carry-on items on the X-ray conveyor belt at about 6:45 a.m. Friday, one of the busiest travel days of the whole summer.
TSA officers contacted the Port Authority Police officers, who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the pistol and arrested the man.
Steven B. Shaw, 61, of Eden Hill Road, Newtown, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, a Port Authority Police spokesman said.
There was no disruption to airport operations, police said.
This marks the second time this year that a traveler has been arrested on charges of bringing a gun to a LaGuardia Airport checkpoint, the TSA said. Two guns were detected at the airport’s checkpoints in all of 2016.
TSA reminds travelers that individuals who bring firearms to checkpoints are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement.
In addition, TSA has the authority to access civil penalties of up to $12,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,000.
Information on how to properly travel with a firearm is posted at TSA.gov. Because airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, travelers should also contact their airline.
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