40th Gun Seized at Pittsburgh International Airport in 2023, Breaking Records

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Pittsburgh International Airport intercepted a passenger attempting to board a flight with a loaded .380-caliber handgun, marking the 40th firearm confiscated at the airport this year. This surpasses the previous record of 35 firearms seized in 2019.

The passenger, a North Hills man, was found to have a valid concealed-carry permit, and Allegheny County Police did not file charges against him. However, he faces a federal civil penalty, which could result in substantial fines.

TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein emphasized that firearms are only allowed in checked baggage, provided they are unloaded and securely stored in a hard-sided locked case. Passengers must declare these items at the airline check-in counter.

The rise in incidents involving firearms at Pittsburgh International Airport reflects a nationwide trend, with TSA officers stopping over 6,000 guns at security checkpoints across the country so far this year, surpassing last year’s record-breaking numbers.

Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s federal security director for the airport, emphasized the dangers of such incidents, which disrupt security operations and cause delays for other travelers, particularly during busy holiday travel periods. Responsible gun owners are urged not to bring firearms to airport checkpoints.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, triblive.com