BOISE, Idaho — Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Boise Airport discovered a loaded firearm in the carry-on luggage of female traveler Wednesday. The traveler was ticketed for Salt Lake City International Airport. During the routine screening of carry-on luggage, a TSA officer spotted the image of a handgun on the x-ray screen.
TSA immediately notified airport law enforcement, which responded to the security checkpoint. The gun - a North American Arms .22 caliber revolver - was loaded with five rounds of ammunition. The passenger was cited on the state charge of Possession of a Firearm at a Checkpoint. This is the seventh firearm discovered by TSA in carry-on luggage at BOI in 2020.
TSA will review the circumstances of the incident and levy a civil penalty against the passenger. The recommended civil penalty for a firearm starts at $2,000 and can go up to more than $10,000 per violation. The incident has been referred to the Ada County prosecutor's office for review.
Factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and if there was accessible ammunition. Each incident is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition to civil penalties, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA Pre✓ ® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time.
Firearms can be taken on a commercial aircraft if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Ammo and firearm parts, like frames, receivers, clips and magazines are prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked.
Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage. At the airport, a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts.
Before traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to make sure they comply with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
