Loaded Gun Found In Coatesville Man's Bag At Philly Airport

PHILADELPHIA — A Coatesville man was cited and had his gun taken after the Transportation Security Administration at Philadelphia International Airport found a loaded firearm in his carry-on bag.

TSA officials said the gun was found Monday at a security checkpoint x-ray scanner. The scanner alerted to the bag, and after closer inspection, officers found a 9mm handgun loaded with six rounds.

The man, who was not identified, was cited by police, who also confiscated the weapon.

Bringing a gun to an airport carries a maximum city penalty of $15,000.

"Our officers are well trained and remain vigilant in their mission, especially during the long Thanksgiving holiday travel period," said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s federal security director.

"There is no excuse for bringing a gun to the checkpoint. Responsible gun owners do not bring their guns to a checkpoint. "

Spero said the Monday after Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest days of the year as people who have been on an extended Thanksgiving trip continue to make their way home.

"This was irresponsible on the part of this traveler on one of the busiest days of the year," he said. "Incidents such as this are dangerous, they disrupt our security screening operations and cause delays for other law-abiding travelers who just want to get on their flight to travel for the holiday."

As of Monday, TSA has caught 42 firearms at the Philadelphia International Airport this year. In 2022, 44 firearms were caught.