TSA officials said they found a loaded firearm in a carry-on bag at Eppley Airfield's security screening checkpoint on Wednesday morning.
TSA agents found a 9mm Kimber Solo firearm, that was loaded with 12 rounds, in a passenger’s carry-on bag during x-ray screening.
TSA alerted police as part of their standard procedure.
Airport police took possession of the weapon and authorities interviewed the passenger, who was released pending further review by law enforcement officials.
Officials say this is the first time this year that TSA has found a gun at the airport 's checkpoint.
Last year, 13 firearms were found at the airport's checkpoint.
"Airline passengers can travel with firearms, but not in carry-on bags,” said TSA Federal Security Director Paul Ross. “Firearms can only be transported in a checked bag that is declared to the airline at the ticket counter and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided container.”
Officials added that firearm parts, ammunition, and realistic replicas also are not allowed through security checkpoints, but can be transported in checked bags.
For more information on prohibited items and firearms at airport, visit tsa.gov.
