Loaded Firearms Intercepted at Pennsylvania Airports

On September 16, TSA officers intercepted two separate incidents involving loaded firearms at airport security checkpoints in State College, Pennsylvania, and Lynchburg, Virginia. In State College, a man was found with a loaded 9mm handgun in his backpack, facing potential financial penalties up to $15,000. Similarly, in Lynchburg, another man attempted to board a flight with a 9mm firearm containing four bullets, leading to a police citation and civil penalties. TSA officials emphasized that firearms must be transported in checked baggage, unloaded, and in a hard-sided locked case. These incidents underscore TSA's ongoing vigilance regarding security violations, especially in light of the recent anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Passengers are reminded to familiarize themselves with firearm transportation rules to avoid severe penalties.