TSA finds two loaded firearms in two days at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

SeaTac, Washington — Transportation Security Administration officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport found two loaded firearms during screenings of carry-on luggage this week.

On Tuesday, officials said they found a 9 mm Kimber Ultra Carry STS loaded with seven rounds of ammunition in the bag of a man who was escorting his grandchild to the gate. The man was cited by Port of Seattle police on a state charge.

On Wednesday, officials said they found a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson Airweight revolver in the carry-on luggage of man who was ticketed for travel to Boise Airport.

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Officials said the man was also cited by Port of Seattle police on a state charge and was allowed to continue on his flight.

So far in 2020, TSA officials said they have found 17 firearms in carry-on luggage at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Nationwide, 1,004 firearms have been found in carry-on luggage in 2020.

TSA officials said they will review the circumstances of each incident and levy a civil penalty against each passenger.

The recommended civil penalty for a firearm starts at $2,000 and can go up to the statutory maximum of more than $10,000 per violation.

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In addition to civil penalties, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA Pre✓® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time.

TSA officials provided a breakdown of how firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft:

• 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.
• Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
• At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts.
• Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws.
• TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements. 

Click here for more information on traveling legally with a firearm.

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