When The TSA Finds A Handgun In The Carry-on Bag Of A Permit Holder, Should They Be Held Accountable?

Published
Updated

Early Wednesday, an ugly looking .380 handgun was found in the carry-on bag of a concealed carry permit holder at the Augusta Regional Airport. TSA alerted airport police, who then took possession of the firearm and spoke with the owner. That owner, who has not been identified, was allowed to bring the firearm to their vehicle to secure it.

We all know that unloaded firearms can be transported in checked luggage (just don’t travel through NYC), and we also know that it’s a huge no-no to try and bring a firearm on an airplane via our carry-on bag.

Seriously, how does this happen? And it happens a lot.

There are two possible explanations that I can see from where I’m sitting. The first logical explanation is that this person is an idiot. The second logical explanation is that this person was trying to bring his or her firearm on the plane undetected, because they really wanted it with them.

The excuse that some give of “I forgot it was there” is absurd to me. If your life is so hectic that you accidentally placed your firearm inside your carry-on bag, you should stop carrying because you’re likely to be completely useless if you ever need to draw that firearm. Just tellin’ it like it is.

So the question remains: Should these people be held accountable for this to some extent? Is this part of being a negligent gun owner? They can potentially face charges for doing this, and the TSA can also impose civil penalties on the firearm owner. I’m sure that in some juristictions, they’ll even take your permit away for being so irresponsible.

What do you think? Should they be held accountable, or simply told to “secure your firearm in your vehicle”?

 

Concealed Nation

Sign up for all the latest news, updates,
and exclusive deals...
 

We respect your email privacy

About the Author

Brandon is the founder of Concealed Nation and is an avid firearm enthusiast, with a particular interest in responsible concealed carry. His EDC is a Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP, with a Shield Sights RMSC Red Dot, that holds Hornady 165 gr FTX Critical Defense rounds, and rides comfortably in a Vedder Holsters ComfortTuck IWB holster.

Click for more:

Leave a comment