ROCHESTER — Two people, including a Newark man, were stopped by TSA officers Monday after handguns were found in their carry-on bags at the Greater Rochester International Airport.
Lisa Farbstein, acting director of media relations and press secretary for the Transportation Security Administration’s office of public affairs, said in a press release that the incidents are not believed to be related.
Farbstein said a man from Hemlock, Livingston County, was in possession of a 9-mm gun that was loaded with seven bullets, as well as a magazine loaded with several more bullets. TSA officers spotted the gun via the checkpoint X-ray machine.
A few hours later, a Newark man was found with an unloaded handgun along with a magazine that contained six bullets. It also was spotted as the man entered an X-ray machine.
The TSA did not disclose the men’s names. In each instance, an officer from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded and took possession of the guns. There was no impact to airport operations.
In an email, Corporal John Helfer — public information officer for the sheriff’s office — said the matters remain under investigation and charges had not been filed as of Tuesday afternoon. The sheriff’s office is not releasing the men’s identities at this time.
These are the first guns TSA officers at the airport have spotted at the checkpoint this year. No guns were found in 2016.
“These incidents bring to light the critical role that the Transportation Security Administration, and the dedication of the officers assigned to the Greater Rochester International Airport, demonstrate in protecting the flying public — by keeping loaded firearms from being allowed onto a plane,” TSA Upstate New York Federal Security Director Bart Johnson said in the release. “It is also a stark reminder of the importance that passengers play in making sure that they stop and think about what they have in their carry-on bags to ensure that they do not bring any prohibited items to an airport checkpoint.”
Firearms, firearm parts and ammunition are not permitted in carry-on bags but can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline. Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website (tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition). Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers also should contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
Original article can be found here: http://www.fltimes.com
No comments:
Post a Comment