Posted on 04/29/2012 6:47:05 AM PDT by marktwain
The Transportation Security Administration said the number of guns its agents have found on travelers at airports across Texas is up, with the biggest spike at Dallas Love Field.
This month alone, TSA agents seized six guns at Love Field -- 15 so far this year. Compare that to just 1 gun during the same time frame, last year.
Despite checking in more than three times the number of passengers, the agency seized 16 guns so far this year at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport -- just one more than at Love Field.
All of the travelers had concealed handgun licenses and simply forgot they were armed, the TSA said.
But whether it is an accident or not, all passengers caught with a weapon in their carry-on are arrested. The civil fines can reach up to $10,000.
“If you are planning on taking a quick weekend trip, that can turn into an expensive endeavor if you don't take that time upfront that you know everything in your bag,” said Amy Williams, TSA federal security director at Love Field.
Williams said travelers must transport guns in checked baggage. Each airline has its own individual policies
I could see a reasonable investigation to insure that they had no evil intent. They might miss their flight. Have them pay a civil fine of no more than $100 once it is shown that they were guilty of no more than an oversight during a very busy day.
Exercizing the constitutional right to bear arms should be encouraged, not demonized.
Do anything long enough and consistently enough, and you will make a mistake. Those mistakes should not be punished with $10,000 fines.
The overlords DON’T like armed peasants.
Lying in bed in a coma is the only way to assure a clean record any more.
After all, laws are a very effective means of societal control.
Although I agree with your sentiments completely, you must admit it is VERY dumb to “forget” that you’re packing heat when attempting to catch a flight, especially in this day and age.
We can’t have passengers carrying on commercial flights.
Then the safety of the aircraft would be assured, and the TSA would be out of a job!
I represented a guy whose security clearance was yanked because he was charged with a felony by the Bexar County DA’s office when he forgot he had his .38 in his bag at the San Antonio Airport. Eagle Scout, father of an Eagle Scout, literally never even a parking ticket, and his attorney got the charges dismissed. Did that matter to the DoD Security folks? Of course not! So he had to hire me to get his clearance back, which I did. He spent a total of $13K in attorney’s fees (mine was a paltry portion of that) for a completely innocent mistake, because two entities, the Bexar County DA and the DoD, wouldn’t look at the facts, see that it was an honest mistake, and let it go.
You are making excuses for a hardened criminal. Now, the hundreds of gun that made it into the hands of Mexican gangsters, courtesy of the most honorable Attorney General Eric Holder’s upright subordinates.... THAT is a forgivable (and innocent) mistake. Don’t you get anything? /s
On a serious note: Thank you for defending this guy. Scary stuff.
If you are a politician in South Texas you get away with it.
“In 2005, {Juan}Hinojosa carried a gun past an airport’s security checkpoint. Hinojosa was detained, and police verified his concealed handgun permit and identity and traced the weapon before releasing him. Before Hinojosa was even arraigned, the criminal charges were dropped by local judge Kathleen Henley, prompting allegations of special treatment and corruption,[16] including from Texas gun-owners, and from the McAllen police chief Victor Rodriguez who said: “I think dismayed is probably...too kind...for [how we feel about Judge Henley dismissing the charges] but it’s in that area. Because we operated under the idea yesterday that an arraignment would take place” [but then] “we learned that Judge Henley basically dismissed him. ... I’ve never seen a case basically tossed out at the arraignment point,” and “The laws are very specific and very clear. It’s a chargeable offense even if it’s done recklessly [i.e. accidentally, as was the excuse Senator Hinojosa gave]”.[17][18] Judge Henley has refused to comment on why she dismissed the charges against Hinojosa.[18]
Hinojosa claims that he “was handled just like any other citizen”,[18] however, in comparison: Many people have been penalized for “accidentally” carrying a gun through security check-points in American airports”
Yep! Forgot about it when I was visiting the Port of Tampa! Had to turn around and leave.
Bttt !
There is no such thing as a “Honest mistake” when dealing with that type. They cant employ common sense or do any background. Everyone is guilty until proven innocent{ Unless of course you are of that type. Then they will circle the wagons,pile the sandbags and do everything possible to protect that person}.
I think to a large part this is the fault of the airport, which could easily mitigate these mistakes. One, two or all three of these things could eliminate all but the people who are really, really stupid:
1) Put prominent signs about, especially around and in front of the security areas, to remind people of this rule.
2) Periodically play a recorded message over the airport intercom about this rule.
3) Have mention made during baggage check in, when they ask you the other questions about your baggage. “Did you pack your own bags, and have they been under your control since they were packed? If you have a weapon such as a knife or handgun or other prohibited item, please do not attempt to pass through a security checkpoint with it in your possession, or you may be subject to arrest.”
The last time I flew in and out of Love Field, I just carried right onto the plane ;)
I don’t get the point here. Are the gropers saying that they stopped 15 airplanes full of people from crashing into buildings? What does confiscating people’s guns have to do with terrorism?
Well, in that you get some really cool guns, and the proles get taught a lesson. What's not to like?
Any Rand nailed that point way back in 1957
That overlooks one uncomfortable fact: the constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms to the people via the 2nd amendment.
The 2nd has not been amended or repealed; therefore, it is not unreasonable to claim that such rules/regulations/”laws” are null and void because they alter the amendment in “unofficial”/”de facto” manner: the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, except in the cases of: air travel, train travel, presence in a schoolhouse, courthouses (appearance for jury duty notwithstanding), and any place that someone complains about guns making them scared.
IMO- that is what is wrong with the legal system in this country. Some bureaucratic jerk can make accusations which negatively impact on your life, and the accused ends up paying out the ying-yang and supporting a corrupt court system.
Atlas thugged?
Every gun seized is a count of treason. EVERY ONE.
The 2nd Amendment is an absolute. Every one of those TSA agents deserves the penalty of treason against the Constitution: DEATH.
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