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Passenger removed from United Airlines flight after bringing loaded gun onboard

Passenger removed from United Airlines flight after bringing loaded gun onboard
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David Pekoske TSA Administrator | Official Website

On April 15, a passenger was removed from a United Airlines flight at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) after a firearm was detected during security screening. The incident, captured on police body camera and reported by Local 12 on May 13, involved Besnik Ismajlaj, who reached into an X-ray machine to retrieve his bag containing the weapon before it could be confiscated.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer identified the image of a gun during routine checks. However, Ismajlaj managed to leave for his flight with the bag before authorities could intervene. Police later located him on the plane, where he did not resist arrest. He was charged with carrying a concealed firearm at the airport.

A TSA supervisor noted that the incident occurred during a shift change at the checkpoint. According to a Chicago Police Department report cited by CBS News Chicago, officers confronted Ismajlaj, who acknowledged having the gun in his bag. Upon inspection, they found a loaded Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol.

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Robert Mark, an experienced pilot and former air traffic controller, commented on the oversight: "I think it's pretty clear that somebody at TSA was not paying attention... I've never heard of someone being stopped at a security checkpoint for a possible weapon and being able to just... grab the bag and walk off."

Ismajlaj's immediate acknowledgment of law enforcement suggests awareness of his actions. Despite this breach in protocol, it is plausible he intended no harm but rather acted hastily due to time constraints.

Firearms regulations vary widely; however, TSA rules mandate that firearms must be unloaded and transported in checked baggage within locked containers. The loaded Glock violated these regulations as it was stored in hand luggage.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasized safety: "One firearm at a checkpoint is too many... If individuals who carry a firearm intend to travel, we remind them that the firearm must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, declared to the airline at check-in counter and transported in checked baggage.”

In 2024 alone, TSA discovered 6,678 firearms at US airport checkpoints—94% were loaded—underscoring ongoing challenges in airport security protocols.

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