TSA agents stop man from bringing loaded gun with 17 bullets on flight at Philadelphia International Airport

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — TSA officials stopped a man from bringing a loaded gun with 17 bullets onto a flight at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday.

Officials say the Newark, Delaware man told officers he forgot he had his loaded gun on him.

According to TSA, the gun was caught as the man entered airport security.

The X-ray unit was alerted when the man’s hand luggage was checked.

TSA officers opened the bag for a closer inspection and found the loaded 9mm caliber handgun with a bullet chambered.

Officials say another 17 bullets were stowed in a carry-on bag next to the gun.

The gun was removed and confiscated by airport police. They cited the man for gun charges.

Along with the subpoena, officials say the man faces a monetary civil penalty. The fine for carrying guns was recently increased to a maximum of $15,000.

According to the TSA, passengers are only allowed to travel with firearms in checked baggage. Firearms must be unloaded and then packed in a hard case. The locked suitcase should be taken to the airline check-in counter for declaration.

The TSA has published details on proper travel with a firearm on its website.