JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A potentially dangerous trend is on the rise at Florida airports and it involves more and more people being stopped for having a firearm in their possession, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA has reported a number of these firearm-related incidents at airports this year and the Jacksonville International Airport is no exception.
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A woman with a gate pass entered the JAX checkpoint to meet a minor when TSA officers found a Ruger semi-automatic in her purse. She was stopped and further investigation revealed the firearm was loaded with a bullet.
“Whether or not they had nefarious intent, accidents happen and tragedies could result,” said Sari Koshetz, a TSA spokesperson. “This dangerous trend continues across Florida and across the country.”
TSA officers also found a man and a woman in possession of firearms at Tampa International Airport and Miami International Airport. Both firearms were loaded with six rounds.
Similarly, a man and a woman were stopped at the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. The man was found in possession of one firearm while the woman had two in her backpack.
At the Orlando International Airport, one man was arrested after TSA officers found a firearm loaded with 12 rounds in his possession.
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So far this year, 195 guns have been found at Florida airports alone with 17 found at JAX.
Those found with firearms could face a civil penalty that can reach up to $13,910 and they may lose TSA PreCheck privileges.
“Know exactly where your gun is before you enter the airport and make sure that it is not in your backpack, purse, computer bag or suitcase that you plan to bring into the security checkpoint,” said Koshetz.