TSA confiscates 2 loaded handguns at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Two handguns were stopped from getting onboard airplanes at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

TSA officers on Wednesday, Aug. 11, detected the gun in the checkpoint X-ray machine at about 6:30 a.m. The passenger, a Menomonee Falls resident, had an expired concealed weapons permit.

On Thursday, Aug. 12, another gun was caught at about 6:20 a.m. at the checkpoint. The passenger, a Milwaukee resident, stated she had not realized the firearm was in her purse.

In both cases, TSA says the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office was notified.

Deputies confiscated the weapons, which both were loaded with a round chambered, and escorted the passengers to the airport substation.

TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,910 per violation per person. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100.

These are the 13th and 14th firearms detected at MKE this year. A total of 16 firearms were detected at MKE security checkpoints in 2019, and 10 last year.

“We want people to be prepared for the checkpoint experience before they leave for the airport,” Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said. “The most important thing travelers can do to contribute to an efficient screening process for everyone is to keep prohibited items out of their carry-on bags.”