Woman Cited after Boise TSA finds Gun in Bag

BOISE – A woman has been cited after officers with the Transportation Security Administration found a loaded handgun during a routine screening at a security checkpoint at the Boise Airport last Friday. Authorities say the .380 caliber Ruger was loaded with six rounds. It was found in the carry-on bag of a female passenger who was headed to San Francisco.

KTVB reports She was cited by the Boise Police Department on a state charge. She could face a fine of up to $7,500. The gun was the fourth firearm that the TSA has found in the carry-on bag of a Boise Airport passenger this year. Between Friday and Sunday, 26 firearms were detected in carry-on bags at security checkpoints at U.S. airports. So far in 2013, more than 750 handguns have been found during routine screenings.

The TSA wants to remind the public that firearms, ammunition, firearm parts and realistic replicas of firearms are always prohibited in carry-on baggage.  However, these items can be transported in checked baggage provided the traveler declares them to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process. Firearms in checked baggage must be unloaded and stored in a locked, hard-sided container. Passengers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint.