3 guns found in 24 hours at D/FW Airport

[TexasStooge]

Incidents are unrelated, and no foul play was intended, officials say

By MICHAEL GRABELL / The Dallas Morning News

Authorities are investigating three incidents in which loaded handguns were found within a 24-hour period this weekend during security checks at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Three passengers were stopped in separate incidents at security checkpoints when their carry-on bags set off X-ray machines during routine screenings, said Andrea McCauley, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration, which operates the checkpoints.

All the incidents appear to be unintentional, said Alvy Dodson, the airport's vice president for public safety

"It appears that they are absolutely unrelated," he said. "There was no intent whatsoever for any foul deeds. There was no intent to hide the weapons."

Finding several handguns in a short period is unusual. But federal screeners routinely find about a gun a week at D/FW.

"Typically, people bring to the checkpoints accidentally," Ms. McCauley said. "People forget what's in their purse or in their bags. For the most part these incidents aren't malicious."

The first incident occurred at 7:38 a.m. Saturday at checkpoint C10 in Terminal C. Another gun was found 12 minutes later at the same checkpoint. The third weapon was found about 11 a.m. Sunday at checkpoint B19 in Terminal B.

Two men and a woman from the Dallas-Fort Worth area were arrested, but police did not release their names.

D/FW police arrest anyone who attempts to carry a firearm onto a plane, regardless of whether it was an accident. The department refers all cases to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.

"We're very unforgiving over that," Mr. Dodson said.

Almost three years since TSA took over airport security after Sept. 11, 2001, many passengers continue to forget to check for restricted items, Ms. McCauley said. She emphasized that passengers should be aware of what's in their bags and familiarize themselves with regulations regarding handguns.

"If you're starting a holiday or if you're traveling on business, certainly the worst way to start a trip is to be detained by law enforcement officers because there was a weapon in your bag," she said.

Ms. McCauley said the reminder is especially important as hunting season begins this fall.

• Firearms are prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be stowed underneath the airplane.

• Passengers must declare firearms with the airline before checking their bags.

• Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard case. Ammunition must also be stowed in checked baggage and must be packed separately from the weapon.

[breeze]

I'm not surprised that security at DFW airport
FOUND something! I was one of the fortunate
folks who got frisked and scanned, after a NICKLE
in my pocket set off their alarms! Of course, I
commended them on their attentive work, as I
boarded my plane. Kudos to DFW airport - I felt
much better, getting on that plane.

[Guest]

At least they are spotting these things.