AUSTIN — The Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday announced that TSA employees at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport intercepted two loaded firearms at airport checkpoints this week.
According to TSA, the first was discovered Tuesday and the second was found on Wednesday morning. Both were found in passengers' carry-on bags during checkpoint screenings.
Tuesday's firearm was a Ruger LC9 loaded with 13 rounds, while Wednesday's was a 9mm Walter PPK/5 loaded with seven rounds.
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In both cases, TSA said they notified the Austin Police Department, which interviewed the passengers and took possession of the weapons. The APD will determine if charges will be filed. Passengers who bring a firearm to the airport can expect a civil penalty from the TSA, which averages at about $4,000 for a loaded weapon.
The TSA reported these seizures bring the total of firearms found at ABIA security checkpoints this year to 68. In 2017, a total of 74 were found.
Passengers can fly with firearms but only in checked bags that are declared to the airline and are unloaded and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided case. Ammunition is also not allowed in carry-on bags. However, some firearm traveling policies differ with airlines, so passengers should contact their airline prior to arriving at the airport.