TSA intercepts two guns in one day at Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport

MINNEAPOLIS - Transportation Security Administration officers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) stopped two loaded handguns in separate incidents on Tuesday, June 3.

Both weapons were loaded and discovered when passengers presented their carry-on bags for screening. MSP Airport Police were alerted, responded to the checkpoint, and confiscated the weapons.

"With our summer travel season underway, we strongly encourage passengers to pack smart and start with an empty bag," said Marty Robinson, TSA's Federal Security Director for Minnesota. "Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint is a careless, expensive mistake that increases risks to passengers and airport employees. Individuals who own firearms should familiarize themselves with regulations regarding where their weapons can and cannot be carried."

So far this year, TSA officers have stopped 22 firearms at MSP checkpoints. In 2024, 52 firearms were stopped over the entire year.

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.