CLEVELAND — The Transportation Security Administration is reminding passengers that having a handgun in a carry-on bag is strictly prohibited. This comes on the heels of TSA agents at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport finding a loaded weapon during a security check.
The gun was discovered at a security checkpoint Friday around 6:30 a.m.. It was stowed in a passenger’s carry-on bag. The passenger was escorted out of the checkpoint area and detained by police, authorities said.
This is the 9th firearm to be discovered this year by TSA agents at Cleveland security checkpoints this year. In 2018, 23 firearms were discovered at Cleveland checkpoints.
According to the TSA, passengers are permitted to pack a weapon in their checked luggage as long as they are unloaded, in a proper case and declared to the airline. Weapons in carry-on luggage are prohibited.
"Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint," said Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson. "Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items."
Anyone caught with a firearm in their carry-on bag could face criminal charges and or fines. More information about penalties can be found here.
For a full list of prohibited items, click here.
For information on how to properly stow firearms and ammunition for a trip, click here.
