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News

TSA Missed a Loaded Handgun on Flight Out of LAX, Spokeswoman Helpfully Points Out It Wasn't Explosive

handgun.jpg
Photo by Nate A. via Shutterstock
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The TSA missed a loaded handgun that was packed in the luggage of a passenger bound for Portland. The airport ramp crew found the gun when it tumbled out of the unzipped compartment of a bag.Lorie Dankers, a spokeswoman for the TSA, told the Los Angeles Times that the TSA had screened the bag for explosives and there were none. She said it is the job of the passenger and airline to transport guns — which makes it sound like it's not the TSA's job, somehow.

"It's the airline and passenger's responsibility to ensure that firearms are transported correctly," she said. She also added that since the firearm was in a checked bag, the passenger would not have had access to it on the flight.

Whoever's job it is or isn't, more people are showing up to airports with loaded guns, and the TSA is catching some of them, at least. The TSA blog said that it found 22 loaded guns in luggage last week.

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