Quantcast

Passenger removed from United Airlines flight after bringing loaded gun onboard

Passenger removed from United Airlines flight after bringing loaded gun onboard
Policy
Webp messenger creation 8c02ace4 17b3 4199 9f8f 9f8693e7cf00
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Every now and then, ambitious aircraft concepts emerge that capture attention but often do not materialize.

Jun 8, 2025

Long Beach Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) through Southwest Airlines.

Jun 7, 2025

Lidl workers in Belgium initiated a strike and blockades on June 5, following similar actions in France and Italy.

Jun 6, 2025

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025