NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Security officials found a loaded gun at the Nashville International Airport (BNA) Tuesday morning.
Transportation Security Administration officials said the gun was found around 8:00 a.m. in a passenger’s carry-on bag. It was a loaded Beretta .32 caliber handgun.
TSA officers alerted airport police, who then confiscated the bag and escorted the passenger out of the security checkpoint.
According to TSA regulations, firearms are allowed in checked luggage, but not in carry-on bags.
This is the 40th firearm discovered at the security checkpoint by TSA officers at BNA in 2015. A total of 48 were found at BNA in calendar year 2014.
TSA officials used the discovery to remind passengers to search their luggage for potential weapons or prohibited items before flying.
“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” said Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson. “Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”
Passengers who bring firearms to security checkpoints could face criminal charges, and civil penalties from TSA.
TSA officials said safety is their first concern, and having these items in bags that are traveling with you on the aircraft is dangerous to other travelers. They can be easily mistaken as an intentional attempt to bring a prohibited item onto an aircraft.
