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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a loaded nine-millimeter handgun at Harrisburg International Airport on Monday (March 10). The gun, discovered during routine X-ray screening, was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber. TSA officers immediately halted the checkpoint lane and called local police, who removed the firearm and cited the owner, a resident of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, on a weapons charge. The gun owner was allowed to return the firearm to his vehicle.
Gerardo Spero, TSA's Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of proper firearm transportation, stating, "Let this be an important reminder to firearm owners that they should not bring their guns to our checkpoints. Don’t be that guy." According to TSA guidelines, firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case, and declared at the airline check-in counter to be transported in the aircraft's cargo hold.
This incident marks the first firearm interception at Harrisburg International Airport this year, following four cases in 2024. TSA warns that bringing a firearm to a checkpoint can result in federal civil penalties up to $15,000, regardless of whether the traveler has a concealed carry permit or is a TSA PreCheck member.
Travelers are advised to check local firearm laws and airline requirements when transporting firearms. For more information on TSA's firearm policies, travelers can visit the TSA website or use the myTSA app.