TSA - Transportation Security Administration

06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 12:00

TSA discovers two guns in 10 minutes at Boise Airport

Local Press Release
Thursday, June 12, 2025
This is the first of two loaded handguns TSA officers discovered at a BOI checkpoint in 10 minutes. (TSA photo)

BOISE - Within just minutes, two passengers brought loaded handguns to the TSA checkpoint at Boise Airport (BOI), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers were prepared.

At 5:40 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, TSA officers found the first firearm in a passenger's carry-on bag. The traveler said they forgot the gun was inside their bag.

Then, 10 minutes later, screening officers discovered the second gun, which was also loaded, in another passenger's carry-on. The second traveler told TSA he was extremely sorry he left the firearm in his bag.

"I'm very proud of our TSA officers at Boise for detecting the two firearms in such a short amount of time," said James Spies, TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho. "Passengers carrying their firearms can be a danger to other travelers. The proper way to transport a firearm is in checked baggage. The firearm must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, and declared at the airline check-in counter."

So far in 2025, TSA officers have discovered 15 firearms at BOI.

Second firearm TSA officers at BOI found in just minutes. (TSA photo)

Bringing handguns to a TSA checkpoint can delay passengers and impact security operations, especially during the busy summer travel season. When people bring firearms to checkpoints, they are introducing a risk to everyone in the area. These incidents also slow down the checkpoint screening process for other travelers. When a firearm is detected, all activity in the lane comes to a complete halt until police arrive.

Individuals who bring their gun to a security checkpoint also face a federal financial civil penalty. TSA determines the penalty amount for a violation based on the circumstances in each case. TSA will continue to revoke TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years for passengers caught with a firearm in their possession.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should check for firearm laws in the jurisdictions they are flying to and from.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Many travelers may ask themselves, "How should I pack my carry-on or checked bag?" For answers to that question and much more, you can download the free myTSA app, which includes a "What Can I Bring" feature allowing you to type an item to learn if you can pack it in a carry-on or checked bag. You can also ask questions on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. In addition, travelers may also text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).

TSA is also reminding travelers REAL ID enforcement is underway. Every passenger 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable IDto board a commercial aircraft. Those who do no not have a REAL ID or another form of photo ID accepted by TSA may experience delays and face additional screening when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint.

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