TSA intercepts loaded guns at Newark Airport amid ongoing warnings

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TSA intercepts loaded guns at Newark Airport amid ongoing warnings

Policy

Thomas Carter TSA's Federal Security Director for New Jersey | Transportation Security Administration

By Sky Industry News

Mar 23, 2025

On March 18, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) once again reminded passengers not to bring loaded guns through airport security checkpoints, citing serious security threats that require immediate attention from officers. This issue is not new, with weapons being stopped at TSA checkpoints across the country last year and penalties for improperly transporting weapons in checked luggage remaining high.

This latest warning follows incidents this past Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), where TSA officers intercepted two handguns in passenger carry-on luggage. The two unrelated incidents involved individuals who claimed they had forgotten to store their weapons appropriately in checked baggage. As a result, the TSA emphasized that only firearms stored properly in checked luggage are permitted to fly.

According to a press release from the TSA, the first incident involved a man from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, who was found with a loaded 9 mm handgun inside his backpack. He told officials he was unaware of the weapon's presence and would not have brought it through security had he known.

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A few hours later, another man from Pearl River, New York, was stopped when TSA detected his loaded 9 mm handgun. It remains unclear whether this individual was aware of the gun's presence. Both men had valid firearm permits; thus, police did not issue any citations or make arrests.

Thomas Carter, the TSA's Federal Security Director for New Jersey said: "Our officers are good at their job and they are focused on the mission. Travelers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags. " Each individual faces a federal financial civil penalty that could have been avoided with proper packing.

Carter further noted that firearms must be unloaded and packed in locked hard- sided cases for transport on all flights departing from or arriving in the United States. Passengers must also declare their firearms to an airline representative at check-in to ensure safe transportation in the cargo hold.

Despite these recent incidents at Newark Airport being concerning, they are not unusual. Last year alone saw TSA seize 24 weapons at Newark Airport and hundreds more nationwide.

The need to prevent passengers from bringing guns through airport security remains critical as even unloaded weapons demand significant attention from TSA officers contributing to delays at airports. Consequences for failing to comply can include fines up to $15,000.