TSA confiscates loaded guns at airport

Two loaded firearms were confiscated Wednesday by Transportation Security Administration workers at Will Rogers World Airport.

About 8 a.m., TSA workers scanning a passenger’s carry-on bag discovered a loaded handgun. A second handgun was found in another a carry-on bag about 11:45 a.m. Officials said the passengers later were allowed to travel, but without their firearms, according to a news release.

“This is a good opportunity to once again remind passengers that they can’t bring firearms to airport security checkpoints,” said Steven Crawford, Oklahoma City TSA federal security director.

“Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint will result in a referral to law enforcement and a hefty fine from TSA. And in addition to delaying the individual who brought the weapon, it also impacts everyone else standing in line to go through security.”

Officials said passengers who bring a firearm through an airport security checkpoint are referred to local law enforcement, who will make a decision whether to pursue charges. TSA has the ability to assess a civil penalty of up to $13,000, with the average civil penalty for a loaded firearm being $3,900.

Firearms are allowed in checked bags if they are declared to the airline and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided container. Ammunition, firearm parts and realistic replicas are also allowed in checked baggage, but not carried through any TSA security checkpoint.

Some airline policies regarding firearms might differ from the TSA, so passengers should contact their airline about firearm and ammunition policies.

The two guns found Wednesday bring the total to 29 this year found at Oklahoma City checkpoints. In 2017, 40 firearms were found at airport checkpoints.