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TSA worker fired after missing loaded gun in purse at Atlanta airport

The TSA fired a screener who missed a loaded handgun in a passenger’s carry-on bag Sunday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
The TSA fired a screener who missed a loaded handgun in a passenger’s carry-on bag Sunday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
By Ellen Eldridge
March 29, 2017

The Transportation Security Administration fired a woman responsible for screening passengers’ bags after she missed a loaded handgun Sunday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Katrina Jackson of Alabama noticed her .38-caliber handgun when she later looked for her passport and immediately informed officials, according to a police report obtained by Channel 2.

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TSA issued a statement to the news station. “This egregious mistake was unacceptable and the officer who was still a probationary employee was immediately and permanently separated from federal service."

The woman self-reported to police and officers showed up at the gate to confiscate her gun and bag.

Jackson was charged with illegal possession of a handgun when she said she didn’t have her permit on her.

Screeners at the airport have prevented 48 guns from going through security so far this year, Channel 2 reported. Last year, 198 guns were found at checkpoints, which is more than any other airport in the United States.

Hartsfield-Jackson ranks No. 1 in guns caught by TSA in 2016

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