By: Richard L. Smith
A Philadelphia resident was taken into custody on Monday, April 28, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered a loaded .40 caliber handgun in his carry-on bag at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal A security checkpoint.
The firearm contained four bullets at the time of detection.
According to information sent by TSA officials, the weapon was found during routine screening.
TSA personnel alerted Port Authority Police, who quickly responded, confiscated the firearm and ammunition, and arrested the traveler.
This marks the third firearm interception by TSA officers at Newark Airport this month and the 10th so far in 2025.
In comparison, TSA officers intercepted 21 firearms at the airport’s security checkpoints throughout all of 2024.
Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, emphasized that individuals caught with firearms at checkpoints face steep federal financial penalties.
He reiterated that firearms are never allowed in carry-on bags and must be properly declared, stored unloaded in a hard-sided, locked case, and placed in checked baggage.
Earlier in April, two other arrests were made at Newark Airport for similar violations. On April 14, a Morristown man was found with a loaded 9mm handgun containing eight rounds.
On April 3, TSA officers intercepted a Seattle man carrying a .45 caliber handgun loaded with 15 bullets, including one in the chamber. Both individuals were arrested by Port Authority Police, according to reports published by RLS Media.
TSA officials warn that travelers bringing unauthorized firearms to checkpoints can face civil fines of up to $15,000, regardless of concealed carry permits.
The investigation into the latest incident remains ongoing.