10th Gun Of 2023 Confiscated At Milwaukee's Mitchell Airport

MILWAUKEE, WI — Security at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport on Sunday confiscated a handgun from carry-on luggage before it made it to a plane, the Transportation Security Administration announced.

Officers spotted the image of a handgun during a routine C-ray screening around 5 a.m., the TSA said. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office was notified right away and a deputy took possession of the gun, the news release said.

It's the 10th handgun confiscated at the airport so far in 2023. Last year, 21 firearms were detected at Milwaukee airport checkpoints.

“Passengers must remember they’re responsible for the contents of bags, and our advice is they thoroughly inspect all personal belongings to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items before coming to the airport,” Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said in a news release. “This simple act could save you lots of time and money, along with avoiding possible arrest with local law enforcement.”

The penalty for bringing a weapon to the airport recently increased and can reach nearly $15,000 for fines. TSA also revokes PreCheck eligibility for at least five years for passengers caught with a firearm.

Guns are allowed in luggage only when it is unloaded and packed separately from ammunition in a checked, hardpack case and declared at the airline check-in.

You can find more information about traveling with a gun on the TSA website. Rules may also vary between airlines.

See also: Waukesha Police Chief Apologizes After Gun Found In Airport Carry-On