TSA: Passenger at Tri-Cities Airport had loaded Ruger handgun in carry-on bag

A passenger at Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville was detained Thursday morning after a handgun was discovered by TSA agents in the visitor’s carry-on bag.

A report from the federal agency said the loaded Ruger .9mm was seized and the customer was escorted out of the checkpoint area.

An official with TSA Tennessee said firearms can be transported on an aircraft if they declare the item to the airline, unload the weapon, and place it in their checked baggage in a carrying case.

TSA Federal Security Director Steve Wood noted that despite lower than normal passenger numbers a high rate of firearms continues to be discovered as passengers prepare to board.

This was the second time in 2020 that a weapon was discovered at the airport’s security screening area, according to the TSA statement.

(PHOTO: Tri-Cities Airport / TSA)