BURBANK (CNS) - A loaded handgun was found in a passenger's carry-on bag during a routine X-ray inspection at Hollywood Burbank Airport, the Transportation Security Administration announced today.
The weapon, a .380-caliber AMT pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition, was discovered in the bag of an unidentified male passenger ticketed for travel to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Sunday, according to the TSA.
“Upon discovery of the firearm, TSA notified the Hollywood Burbank Airport police, which responded to the security checkpoint. The traveler was cited on a state charge, the weapon was confiscated and the traveler was permitted to continue on his flight.''
So far this year, TSA officers at Hollywood Burbank Airport have detected five firearms in carry-on luggage. Eight firearms were discovered in carry-on luggage at the airport in all of 2019.
Nationwide this year, TSA officers have discovered 1,220 firearms to date in carry-on luggage at airports nationwide -- and 84% of those have been loaded. In 2019, a total of 4,432 firearms were found.
The recommended civil penalty for a firearm starts at $2,050 and can go up to the statutory maximum of more than $10,250 per violation. Factors that TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. TSA evaluates each incident on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to civil penalties, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification depends upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition and firearm parts -- including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines -- are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked.
Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger should go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws.
TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
More information on traveling legally with a firearm is available on TSA's website, www.tsa.gov.
Photo: TSA