Loaded Firearm Discovered at CAE Checkpoint

Transportation Security Administration

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.