Another gun found at Pittsburgh International Airport

FINDLAY TWP., Pa. — Transportation Security Administration agents caught another loaded handgun in a passenger’s bag at Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday.

The loaded handgun was found around 6:36 a.m. in the passenger’s purse, according to Allegheny County Police.

Police were able to determine that the 39-year-old woman from Washington County possessed a valid concealed carry permit. At this time, charges are not expected to be filed by County Police.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified. The firearm is in the possession of County Police.

“Carrying a loaded gun to an airport is no laughing matter. Carrying a deadly weapon to a checkpoint is a serious matter,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “This traveler, like all individuals who bring guns to our checkpoint, now faces a stiff Federal financial penalty. She made a mistake and will now pay for it. Even if you have a concealed carry permit, you cannot bring your gun into the cabin of the plane.”

Passengers who bring firearms into an airport checkpoint can face federal civil fines from the Transportation Security Administration of up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $13,910.

This is the 29th gun found this year, and comes after a Beaver Falls man was found with a gun on Friday.

On Wednesday, TSA officials and the U.S. Attorney’s Office held a press conference at the airport to discuss the increasing numbers of firearms found at the security checkpoint.

US Attorney’s Office stepping in with harsher penalties after increasing number of guns at PIT

“Unfortunately it looks like in 2021 we are on track to have a record breaking year in terms of the number of firearms discovered at the TSA checkpoint,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania Stephen Kaufman.

TSA bringing top leaders to Pittsburgh to address gun problem at airport

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