Loaded Firearm Discovered at CAE Checkpoint
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Officials with the Transportation Security Administration say a loaded firearm was found in the bag of a passenger at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport checkpoint on Thursday.
At 1:30 p.m. Thursday, TSA officials say the loaded .45 caliber handgun was discovered in the passenger’s carry-on bag.
Officials say airport police were alerted and cited the passenger on state charges.
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, officials say.
This is the second firearm discovered at the CAE security checkpoint in 2016.
According to a release, a total of 11 handguns were found at the airport in 2015.