OIA: More than two dozen guns confiscated in 2017, officials say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — At least 27 guns have been stopped at passenger checkpoints at Orlando International Airport in the first four months of 2017.

Anyone who travels through Orlando International Airport must fill out a form with their airline that indicates if they are traveling with a weapon. The gun must be unloaded and in a hard-sided case in a checked bag.

Officials with the Transportation Security Administration and officers with the Orlando Police Department were at OIA on Friday reminding passengers that firearms must be in checked baggage.

OIA and Tampa International Airport rank among the top 10 airports that have stopped the most guns at security checkpoints, TSA officials said.

“Most of the people are concealed carry permit holders that just simply forgot they had the firearm with them,” said TSA Federal Security Director Jerry Henderson.

TSA officers stopped 86 guns at checkpoints last year.

“They can end up possibly being arrested. They’re also going to face a number of civil federal charges, which could result in a fine up to $11,000,” Henderson said of the people carrying the guns.

Cox Media Group