Second firearm discovered at Logan Airport security checkpoint in less than a week

BOSTON — Federal security officials at Logan Airport in Boston stopped a loaded firearm from passing through a checkpoint on Tuesday night. It was the second gun recovered in a week.

The Transportation Security Administration said an officer detected the loaded .380 firearm, along with a magazine containing three 9mm rounds, in a man’s carry-on bag. The TSA officers then notified Massachusetts State Police who questioned and eventually arrested the Delaware resident, whose name was not released.

This was the 13th firearm detection this year by TSA officers at Boston security checkpoints.

“Two times in less than a week our officers have prevented loaded guns from being carried onto flights by individuals,” according to Bob Allison, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Massachusetts. “Saying that you didn’t know the firearm was in your bag is no excuse. Responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and don’t make these sorts of careless mistakes. Passengers who are traveling with firearms need to ensure they are properly packed in their checked baggage” said Allison.

In 2020 the TSA discovered a total of 11 firearms at Boston security checkpoints and 18 in 2019.

The TSA says a typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100 and can go as high as $13,669 depending on any mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane.

TSA has information on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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