Photo Courtesy of TSA
The loaded .38-caliber handgun was detected by TSA officers at a JFK Airport checkpoint.
By Forum Staff
A Laurelton man on Friday was arrested after he was caught allegedly trying to sneak a loaded firearm past the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to TSA officials.
Agency officers detected the weapon after the man entered the checkpoint and placed his carry-on items on the x-ray conveyor belt. The .38-caliber gun was loaded with six bullets, including one in the chamber. TSA supervisors contacted the Port Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the gun, and subsequently arrested the man.
In addition to criminal charges, the offender is likely to incur civil penalties from the federal government. According to TSA, the agency has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900.
Following the incident, TSA administration officials noted that passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and stowed separately from ammunition.
