Transportation Security Administration worker packed a lunch and a gun
Londonderry NH Dec 6 2017 A gun was found in the “lunchpail” of a Transportation Security Administration worker passing through a security checkpoint en route to work last Friday morning at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, a spokesman for the federal agency confirmed Monday.
Londonderry police were called at 9:50 a.m. on Dec. 1 for a report of a weapons offense. Transportation Security Administration spokesman Mike McCarthy confirmed Monday the call involved a TSA employee.
“The individual reported for work, and as is standard procedure went through security screening, where a firearm was detected,” said McCarthy. “The firearm was located in a sort of ‘lunchpail,’ where the individual had packed a meal in a sort of backpack.”
McCarthy said the employee was interviewed by Londonderry police, just as anyone else caught with a firearm in their carry-on luggage would be.
“No charges were brought against the individual,” said McCarthy. “As far as we can determine, there was no harm intended.”
McCarthy said he could not comment on whether the individual faces any disciplinary actions or fines as a result of the incident.
“It’s a personnel matter,” said McCarthy.
A request sent to Londonderry police for the TSA worker’s name involved in the incident generated no response.
People traveling with firearms in their carry-on luggage typically face penalties after the weapons are detected at security checkpoints. Fines for firearms range from $500 to $2,000, according to TSA’s website.
According to McCarthy, firearms have been detected at security checkpoints at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport three times so far in 2017, matching the number of incidents for 2016.
Nationwide, TSA reported 3,391 guns, including 83 percent that were loaded, were discovered in carry-on bags in 2016.
Union Leader
