2nd Loaded Handgun Found in BNA Passengers’ Carry-on
Posted by jhingarat21 on 22nd Aug 2015
The Transportation Security Administration has found a second gun in a passenger’s carry-on luggage at the Nashville International Airport Tuesday.
The first firearm discovered was a loaded Beretta .32 caliber handgun found in a passenger’s carry-on bag around 8 a.m., said Mark Howell, TSA regional spokesperson.
Then, a second loaded gun, a Taurus .380 caliber, was found in another passenger’s bag around 1:30 p.m.
After the first gun was found, the TSA alerted airport police, who took possession of the bag and escorted the passenger out of the checkpoint area.
Officials followed the same procedures after the second gun was found.
The TSA has said firearms may be transported in checked baggage — provided they are declared to the airline in a proper carrying case and unloaded — they are prohibited in carry-on bags.
But Howell said he wants to remind passengers it is important for them to thoroughly search their bags for any potential dangerous weapons or prohibited items before arriving at the airport.
“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” Howell said.
This is the 41st firearm discovered at the security checkpoint by TSA officers at BNA in 2015. Last year, 48 were found at the airport, Howell said.
In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA.
