The Transportation Security Administration discovered two loaded firearms at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport on Monday, and two others on Saturday. According to a press release from TSA, all of the incidents were unrelated.
In each incident, TSA alerted local law enforcement, who took possession of the firearm and escorted the passenger from the checkpoint area.
Firearms are permitted in checked bags, provided they are in a proper carrying case and unloaded, however, they are prohibited in carryon bags.
TSA is reminding passengers that it is important to search bags for weapons or prohibited items before departint for the airport.
“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” said Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson. “Our advice is to look through the bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”
These incidents bring the total number of recovered firearms to 10 for the 2016 year so far.