Bang bang: 2 guns found in 10 minutes at Boise Airport. That’s 15 this year
Transportation Security Administration officers at the Boise Airport are no strangers to finding illegal, and sometimes strange, belongings in travelers’ carry-ons.
They have confiscated everything from colorful knives to peanut butter. They found a stun gun concealed in a cane last month. And they have detected their fair share of firearms.
On Tuesday, they found two handguns within just 10 minutes of each other, both found in passengers’ carry-on luggage and both loaded, according to a TSA press release.
The first weapon was found at 5:40 a.m., and the passenger told officials they were unaware the gun was inside the bag, according to the release. When the second gun was found, the passenger was apologetic, TSA workers said.
Both firearms were found as the passengers’ luggage went through the X-ray screening machine. Jessica Mayle, the regional spokesperson for the TSA, said that when a firearm is found, all operations in the security line halt, and the bag isn’t moved until police arrive.
“So it really is a mistake that not only impacts that passenger but everyone in line behind that passenger,” Mayle told the Idaho Statesman.
Not even halfway through the year, 15 firearms have been discovered at the Boise Airport. The number found at security checks has risen since 2019, when only 19 were found, according to the TSA website. Last year, 49 firearms were detected at the Boise Airport, Mayle told the Statesman.
“Unfortunately, on a daily basis, this happens somewhere across the country. We find guns every day at some airports,” Mayle said.
If passengers wish to bring firearms on their trip, the weapons must be unloaded and packed separately from ammunition, locked in a hardback case and declared at the airline counter in checked suitcases.
Travelers should be aware, however, that the laws regarding flying with a firearm can vary depending on the airport, and different airlines could have separate regulations for transporting weapons.
“Even if somebody remembered, even before they went up to the checkpoint, ‘Oh gosh, I think I have my firearm in my bag,’ turn around, walk out and take care of it. It’s much better than presenting the bag,” Mayle said.