GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A loaded handgun was found in a passenger’s luggage at the Appleton International Airport Monday.
After a Transportation Security Administration officer saw the gun on the X-ray while screening carry-on luggage, the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office was immediately alerted.
TSA says the gun was loaded, and there was extra ammunition also found in the bag.
“Our TSA officers continue to do an outstanding job detecting these weapons, but any time dangerous items are presented in the checkpoint, we have serious safety concerns for all in the area, and the resolution disrupts the screening process for the passengers waiting behind the offender,” said Wisconsin Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay. “Individuals who own firearms should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding where their weapons can and cannot be carried.”
This is the fourth gun detected at ATW so far this year and the second within the past week.
Last year, only two guns were detected at security checkpoints.
Improperly packing or bringing an undeclared gun in a checked bag to the airport can result in fines as high as $14,950 depending on the circumstances, explained TSA.
Passengers are permitted to travel with guns in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter. However, gun possession laws vary by state.
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