There’s nothing travelers like to hear more right before a holiday weekend than a bunch of weapons being confiscated at airports across the country.
The TSA reported that 54 loaded guns were found this week during checks at different airports, along with various other types of weapons. Reportedly, 19 of the guns had rounds chambered. One man was found to have been carrying a loaded gun strapped to his prosthetic leg and was arrested ion a concealed weapons charge.
“Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds,” the TSA shared in a statement. “Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the throughput is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested. The passenger can face a penalty as high as $7,500.00. This is a friendly reminder to please leave these items at home. Just because we find a prohibited item on an individual does not mean they had bad intentions, that’s for the law enforcement officer to decide. In many cases, people simply forgot they had these items.”
Also, apparently people think it’s okay to bring hand grenades on airplanes. Really?
“We continue to find inert hand grenades and other weaponry on a weekly basis. Please keep in mind that if an item looks like a realistic bomb, grenade, mine, etc., it is prohibited – real or not. When these items are found at a checkpoint or in checked baggage, they can cause significant delays in checkpoint screening. I know they are cool novelty items, but you cannot bring them on a plane.”
In other words, travelers, have a nice 3-day weekend and make sure you stow your weapon safely at home before you leave.