Transportation Security Administration authorities say they discovered a loaded handgun at a John Glenn Columbus International Airport checkpoint this morning.
TSA immediately alerted airport police, who took possession of the bag and escorted the passenger out of the checkpoint area. Officials say while firearms may be transported in checked baggage - provided they are declared to the airline, unloaded and in a proper carrying case - they are prohibited in carry-on bags. Authorities say today's incident marks the19th time TSA officers have discovered a gun at the Columbus airport security checkpoint this year. That surpasses the total of 15 found there last year. In addition to potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties.
