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The traveler's 9mm gun was discovered in his carry-on bag in a security checkpoint x-ray machine on Friday, Sept. 24, TSA officials said. It was loaded with 17 bullets.
Philadelphia police confiscated the gun and detained the man before arresting him on a weapons violation, they said. The man — whose name has not been released — is expected to face a financial penalty.
Passengers can travel with firearms only in checked baggage and if they're properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter, TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said.
Firearms must be unloaded in a hard-sided locked case that's packed separately from ammunition, she said.
The locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
“Our TSA officers are good at detecting firearms and other prohibited items that travelers bring to our security checkpoints,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Philadelphia International Airport.
“Responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and they know that they are not allowed to carry them onto their flight. If you own a firearm, under no circumstances should you ever bring it to a checkpoint. They must be properly packed and declared at the airline check-in counter.”
This is the 31st gun caught at Philadelphia International Airport checkpoints this year, according to the TSA.
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