Loaded pistol with bullet in chamber found in carry-on luggage at Philadelphia airport: TSA

article

The alarming discovery was made at an X-ray checkpoint on Sunday. The 9 mm pistol was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber.

PHILADELPHIA – TSA officers at Philadelphia International Airport found a loaded handgun with a bullet in the chamber inside a Pennsylvania man’s carry-on luggage.

The alarming discovery was made at an X-ray checkpoint on Sunday. The 9 mm pistol was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber.

Police seized the gun and charged the unnamed traveler, a Lancaster County resident, with weapons possession.

“A loaded weapon poses a threat because the traveler’s intentions are unknown,” said TSA Federal Security Director Gerardo Spero.

It was the 36th gun TSA officers found this year at Philadelphia International Airport, nine fewer than were found in all of last year.

The traveler is expected to receive a “very expensive federal civil fine” for being caught with a gun.

“It’s an expensive lesson,” Spero said.