Federal authorities say a passenger was arrested at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on Wednesday morning after being discovered with a loaded gun.
Transportation Security Administration officers found a loaded .40-caliber pistol in a passenger’s carry-on bag while the passenger was going through a checkpoint about 8 a.m., said Mark Howell, agency spokesman.
TSA notified airport police, who took the bag and arrested the passenger on state charges, Howell said.
The identity of the passenger was not immediately available.
Apparently Wednesday was the second time a gun was found at the airport this year. Last year, six were confiscated.
Howell said that while firearms may be transported in checked baggage (provided they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded), they are prohibited in carry-on bags.
TSA would like to remind passengers that it is important for them to thoroughly search their bags for any potential dangerous weapons or prohibited items before departing for the airport.