TSA officers intercept loaded firearm at Bradley International Airport

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a Connecticut resident from carrying a loaded firearm onto an airplane Monday, May 1, 2023 at Bradley International Airport (BDL).

During Monday afternoon security screening, TSA officers detected a firearm in a passenger’s carry-on bag. TSA immediately notified Connecticut State Police (CSP). During their search, CSP discovered a loaded 9mm firearm with a chambered round, as well as 2 ammo clips with a total of 20 rounds. After questioning, CSP arrested the 40-year-old Connecticut woman on a state charge.

“Our TSA officers once again are on top of ensuring firearms stay out aircraft cabins,” said William Csontos, TSA Federal Security Director for Connecticut. “Loaded firearms at TSA security checkpoints present an unacceptable safety and security risk to other passengers.”

TSA officers have detected 19 firearms at New England security checkpoints in 2023; 6 at BOS, 3 each at BDL and PWM, 2 at BGR and 1 each at AUG, BTV, HVN, MHT, and PVD. In 2022, TSA officers detected a record 47 firearms at New England security checkpoints.

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded gun into a checkpoint is $3,000 and can go as high as $15,000 depending on any mitigating circumstances.

This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.