BOISE, Idaho — Boise Police seized a handgun Wednesday morning after officials say a woman tried to bring it through security and onto her flight at the Boise Airport.
According to the Transportation Security Information, a TSA officer spotted the 9 mm Smith and Wesson pistol in the woman's carry-on as the luggage was being screened through an X-ray scanner. The gun was loaded, officials say.
The discovery marks the first firearm found in a carry-on by TSA in an Idaho airport so far this year. The passenger had a ticket to fly to the Seattle Tacoma International Airport.
The TSA agent alerted Boise Police, who responded to the security checkpoint, confiscated the gun and interviewed the woman. The case has been routed to the Ada County Prosecutor's Office for review and possible charges.
“Flying safe means flying aware - aware of your surroundings, your situation and aware of the items in your bags,” said Andy Coose, TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho. “Double check before you head to the airport to make sure there is nothing prohibited in your carry-on luggage.”
A total of 27 guns were discovered in carry-on luggage at Idaho airports last year, compared to 4,239 nationwide.
Passengers can fly with firearms only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Travelers must declare any guns, gun parts or ammunition at the ticket counter.
For more information on how to legally fly with guns, click here.
