HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The attached video is from a Dec. 23 broadcast.
Amid the chaos at airports nationwide around the holidays, many travelers can take the vigilance of those working to keep everyone safe for granted.
One such case of vigilance was put on display at the Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) this past Friday, December 22, when Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a man from bringing a handgun onto a plane.
After a checkpoint X-ray unit detected the firearm inside the man's carry-on bag, officers discovered a .380 caliber gun loaded with seven bullets.
According to a TSA press release, this was the eighth such stop at the security checkpoint this year, adding to the record pace that nationwide TSA checkpoints are on track towards.
"This individual told us he forgot he had a loaded gun with him. That's irresponsible," said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA's Federal Security Director for HIA. "Responsible gun owners do not bring their guns to a checkpoint because they know the proper way to pack a firearm for a flight".
According to the TSA's official website, passengers may only travel with firearms in checked baggage. The firearm must be unloaded and packed in a locked case with a hard exterior.
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries serious consequences in the form of federal, and even civil, penalties if done improperly and irresponsibly. Gun owners are urged to check with the state and local regulations from where they will be departing and where they will be landing.