TSA confiscates handgun in man’s carry-on bag at T.F. Green Airport

December 18, 2019 11:50 pm

By: Ellie Romano

Email: ERomano@ABC6.com

Twitter: @ERomanoABC6

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – A Foster man was stopped by TSA officers at T.F. Green Airport on Tuesday after a handgun was found in his carry-on bag, according to authorities.

TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said the .22 caliber handgun, along with a magazine containing 10 bullets, were spotted in the checkpoint X-ray machine.

Farbstein said they called airport police, took the gun, and detained the unidentified man for questioning.

She said this is the second time this year they’ve had to confiscate a gun at T.F. Green.

Last year, 4,239 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, averaging about 11.6 firearms per day. That’s approximately a 7% increase in firearm discoveries from 2017.

As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. Even travelers with concealed firearm permits are not allowed to bring guns onto airplanes. In addition, TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,000 for weapons violations. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100.