TSA officers found a gun in a West Virginia woman’s bag at Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday.
Officials say the woman had a loaded handgun in her carry-on when she tried to pass through a security checkpoint. The handgun was loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber.
Allegheny County Police were called to the scene. They confiscated the firearm and detained the woman for questioning. It is unknown whether or not the woman had a concealed carry permit with her at the time. However, she was cited on weapons violations.
Individuals who bring firearms to the airport checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges, even those with concealed carry permits. While some conceal carry permits may differ from state to state, you can see gun laws by state here; these laws are the same when it comes to airplane travel. This is due to the strict laws surrounding items passengers can bring on to an airplane.
According to the TSA website, passengers who want to travel with a firearm are required to have the weapon unloaded and locked within an appropriate hard-sided container and checked in as checked baggage only. The firearm and ammunition should be declared at the check-in desk when a passenger is receiving their ticket. It is asked that if you are going to travel with a firearm that you look online at the TSA or check U.S Customs and Border Protection website for more information as both have requirements listed for travel.
This is the 10th gun stopped at the Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoint so far this year.