On Tuesday, a Williamsville man carrying a loaded handgun in his carry-on luggage was stopped from boarding a flight at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the firearm was a 9mm handgun, loaded with 11 bullets, one of which was in the chamber.
The incident occurred when the checkpoint’s X-ray scanner triggered an alarm due to the contents of the man’s carry-on bag. TSA officers, who reviewed the X-ray image, quickly identified the firearm and immediately halted the screening process.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Police were then alerted, and officers arrived at the checkpoint to confiscate the weapon and detain the man for questioning. Although the passenger possessed a valid New York State pistol permit, law enforcement cited him with a Notice of Violation for the weapon. After questioning, he was allowed to leave the airport with his firearm.
However, the man now faces additional repercussions. In addition to the criminal citation, the TSA is imposing a substantial civil penalty, as carrying weapons through a security checkpoint is strictly prohibited. This fine can reach up to $15,000, reflecting the severity of the violation.
“I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to the TSA officers who took quick action and to the NFTA police officers who responded to the checkpoint and ensured that the man did not retain control of his loaded gun,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Upstate New York.
“Bringing a loaded firearm to a checkpoint represents a threat and potentially dangerous situation to everyone in the vicinity,” Johnson added. “I hope that others learn from this traveler’s mistake.”
So far this year, TSA officers at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport have intercepted four travelers attempting to bring firearms through security checkpoints. Last year, TSA officials at the same airport intercepted a total of seven firearms.
Under TSA regulations, passengers are only allowed to travel with firearms if they are packed in checked luggage. Firearms must be unloaded and securely placed in a hard-sided, locked case. This case must then be brought to the airline’s check-in counter, where the passenger must declare the firearm. This strict protocol is designed to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and staff by preventing any unauthorized firearms from entering the airport’s secure areas.
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