A Man Is Accused Of Attempting To Bring A Firearm Onto A Plane

MANCHESTER, NH — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped a man from carrying a firearm onto an airplane at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) on Wednesday.

This was the second firearm detection this year by TSA officers at an MHT security checkpoint.

TSA officers detected a firearm in a passenger’s carry-on bag, according to police. TSA immediately notified the Londonderry Police Department, who responded and discovered a loaded 9 mm firearm, according to TSA.

Police secured the firearm, and the 53-year-old man from New Hampshire, the man ended up missing his flight.

“Our TSA officers continue to prevent firearms from entering the airport's secure area,” said Kieran Flynn, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Hampshire. “Passengers traveling with firearms must properly pack them in their checked bags. Firearm detections slow or shut down security screening until the police resolve the incident.”

TSA detected two firearms in 2023 and one in 2022 at MHT security checkpoints.

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded gun into a checkpoint is $3,000 and can go as high as $15,000 depending on any mitigating circumstances.

This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

Passengers can travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case, and declared at the airline check-in counter.

The TSA's website provides details on how to travel with a firearm properly. Travelers should also contact their airline, as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.