The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials, today (Friday), announced that TSA officers stopped a loaded handgun from making it onboard a plane at the Des Moines International Airport.TSA officers located the gun around 4:15 a.m. Thursday while screening carry-on luggage via X-ray.

Iowa TSA Federal Security Director John Bright said. “We want to remind everyone planning to fly out of Des Moines to carefully inspect your bag before you pack it and head to the airport. This simple act could save you lots of time and money, along with avoiding possible arrest with local law enforcement.”Authorities confiscated the firearm and issued a citation to the passenger. Passengers may travel with unloaded firearms in checked baggage. Firearms must be packed separately from ammunition in a hardback case and declared at the check-in counter.

It is the fourth firearm detected at the airport in 2021.