The unnamed man was in the security checkpoint line at Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday, Nov. 29 when officers saw a 9mm handgun on the X-ray machine, the TSA said in a statement.
The traveler was permitted to return to the airline counter and declare his weapon in his checked luggage, as required under federal guidelines, officials said.
The matter was forwarded to federal aviation authorities, who may issue a fine, TSA said.
“This individual had the proper paperwork and carrying case for his firearm, but he made a big mistake when he brought it to the security checkpoint when he should have taken it to the airline check-in counter to be declared and transported properly for his flight,” said Philadelphia TSA Director Gerardo Spero.
It's the 41st instance this year of Philly's TSA officers stopping a traveler from boarding an aircraft with a gun — an all-time record for the airport, according to security officials.
Most recently, north Philadelphia native and rapper Tierra Whack was cited for disorderly conduct after bringing a legally-owned, loaded gun into the security line on Nov. 9, as Daily Voice reported.
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