BOISE, Idaho — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers found a loaded firearm in the carry-on luggage at the Boise Airport. The firearm was found in the luggage of a female traveler headed to the San Francisco International Airport on April 24.
Around 5:30 a.m. during a routine screening of carry-on luggage, a TSA officer spotted the handgun on the x-ray screen. TSA notified airport law enforcement, which responded to the security checkpoint. The handgun was a Walther PK380 and it was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.
“I am proud to see that despite all of the distractions from normal life due to the coronavirus, our Boise TSA officers are still focused on TSA’s main mission of keeping passengers safe by keeping prohibited items off of airplanes, ensuring that those who need to travel are able to do so,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho Andy Coose. “We are continuing to train our staff and do whatever it takes to keep them alert to possible threats to aircraft during this unusual time and the results show it."
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.
This is the sixth firearm found in carry-on luggage at BOI in 2020.
