CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -
TSA agents found two loaded guns in separate incidents at the Charleston International Airport security checkpoint on Monday.
The first incident happened at 7 a.m. when agents found a loaded a loaded Bersa .380 caliber handgun in a passenger’s carry-on bag.
The second incident happened at 1 p.m. when authorities located a loaded Glock 9mm handgun in a different passenger’s belongings.
A report states that in both instances TSA immediately alerted local law enforcement who took possession of the bag and escorted the passenger out of the checkpoint area.
"While firearms may be transported in checked baggage (provided they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded), they are prohibited in carry-on bags," TSA officials said. "TSA would like to remind passengers that it is important for them to thoroughly search their bags for any potential dangerous weapons or prohibited items before departing for the airport."
A press release states that security is the primary concern of the TSA, and having these items in bags that are traveling with you on the aircraft is dangerous to other travelers and can be easily mistaken as an intentional attempt to bring a prohibited item onto an aircraft.
“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” said Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson. “Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”
According to officials, TSA officers have now discovered seven firearms at the CHS security checkpoint in 2018.
A total of 11 were found there in 2017.
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