Two handguns were discovered in separate pieces of carry-on luggage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Wednesday morning, the TSA said.
At 8:10 a.m., Transportation Security Administration agents detected a .22 caliber North American Arms revolver, loaded with five rounds, in the carry-on bag of a 53-year-old man traveling from Atlanta to Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
At 11 a.m., TSA detected another firearm, a .40 caliber Glock 27, loaded with nine rounds in the carry-on bag of a 34-year-old woman who was issued a gate pass from an airline.
APD responded to both incidents, interviewed the passengers, and released both of them. Both passengers then left the airport.
Regardless of law enforcement action, the TSA said, both passengers should anticipate receiving a civil penalty from the TSA for at least $3,000.
The man, who was a known traveler utilizing a TSA pre-check lane, should also anticipate losing his priority screening for a certain amount of time, the TSA said.
These were the first two guns discovered at Hartsfield-Jackson since House Bill 60 took effect on July 1. The bill allows firearms in certain parts of Hartsfield-Jackson, and passengers who accidentally go through security with their firearm will not be subject to arrest or have their firearms confiscated.
While the TSA said it was aware of the law, the agency still enforces the same regulations, regardless of state or local laws. According to the TSA, firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, but can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed, and declared to the airline.
The TSA will also impose a civil penalty with fines ranging from $1,500 to $11,000 for firearms discovered at the TSA security checkpoint.
In 2013, 1,813 firearms were discovered in 450 nationwide airports, 111 of them at Hartsfield-Jackson, the TSA said. As of June 30, more than 975 firearms had been discovered nationwide, with almost 50 of them at Hartsfield-Jackson.
About the Author
