Quantcast

Passenger removed from United Airlines flight after bringing loaded gun onboard

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
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

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025

At 14:12 local time on June 2, an Allegiant Air Airbus A320 experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from Huntington Tri-State Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive airspace modernization program, marking the first significant update since the 1950s.

Jun 5, 2025

Global Airlines has addressed speculation about its future operations, denying any intention to operate as an ACMI carrier using Airbus A380 aircraft.

Jun 5, 2025