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34th gun caught at security in Pittsburgh airport, matching 2018 total | TribLIVE.com
Allegheny

34th gun caught at security in Pittsburgh airport, matching 2018 total

Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
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Transportation Security Administration
A handgun found at Pittsburgh International Airport Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019.

An Altoona man was caught with a handgun in his backpack at a security checkpoint Thursday at Pittsburgh International Airport, the Transportation Security Agency announced.

It was the 34th firearm caught at the checkpoint this year, matching the 2018 total.

The unidentified man had the 9 mm handgun in his backpack, loaded with 15 bullets.

A TSA officer spotted the firearm as the backpack went through the checkpoint X-ray machine, according to the agency.

Allegheny County Police confiscated the gun and detained the man for questioning.

Nationwide last year, TSA officers found a record 4,239 firearms in carry-on bags, 86% of which were loaded.

In addition to possible criminal charges, the TSA can fine those who bring a gun into a checkpoint. A typical first offense is $4,100, according to the agency.

Jacob Tierney is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jacob at 724-836-6646, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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