TSA officials discover multiple firearms at security checkpoints in separate incidents

4 of 5 firearms discovered were loaded

SAN ANTONIO – The Transportation Security Administration discovered multiple firearms at security checkpoints within the last five days at the San Antonio International Airport.

The five firearms, four of which were loaded, were found in carry-on bags during X-ray screenings on different passengers, the TSA said.

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The TSA found a loaded weapon Tuesday, two other loaded ones on Monday in separate incidents and one loaded, and one unloaded firearm were discovered over the weekend.

San Antonio Airport Police were called after each discovery. Officials took possession of the firearms and interviewed passengers before they were allowed to continue or rebook, the TSA said.

“This is a good opportunity to continue to remind passengers that you cannot bring a firearm to an airport security checkpoint,” said Jess Presas, TSA SAT federal security director. “Firearms can only be transported in a checked bag that is declared to the airline at the ticket counter and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided container.”

Parts of firearms, ammunition or realistic replicas should also not be carried through security checkpoints. They can be transported in checked bags.

This year, TSA officials at SAT have discovered 38 firearms at checkpoints, TSA said.

Passengers who bring firearms to a security checkpoint could face a civil penalty of up to $11,000. The average penalty for a loaded firearm is $3,000 and $1,500 for an unloaded one, TSA said.


About the Author:

Ivan Herrera has worked as a journalist in San Antonio since 2016. His work for KSAT 12 and KSAT.com includes covering breaking news of the day, as well as producing Q&As and content for the "South Texas Pride" and "KSAT Money" series.