Travelers Bring Loaded Guns To PHL Two Days In A Row: TSA

Transportation Security Administration agents stopped area residents from boarding planes with loaded handguns at the Philadelphia International Airport two days in a row this week, officials announced.

Philadelphia International Airport; the gun seized from a traveler on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps (Street View)/TSA*

Mac Bullock

11/29/2023 2:44 p.m.

The first incident involved a Coatesville man on Monday, Nov. 27, TSA said in a release. An X-ray unit at the security checkpoint revealed a 9mm handgun loaded with six bullets in his carry-on bag, according to authorities.

Then on Tuesday, Nov. 28, a Philadelphia man was also found with a 9mm in his bag — "loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber," said airport security.

Both weapons were confiscated and each man has been cited by police. They may also face financial civil penalties up to $15,000, according to TSA.

“There is no excuse for bringing a gun to the checkpoint,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for PHL. “Responsible gun owners do not bring their guns to a checkpoint."

As of Wednesday, Nov. 28, 43 travelers have tried to board at PHL with firearms in 2023, officials said.

For more information on traveling with firearms, visit TSA.gov.

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