The article needs more information.
If in a locked box and being transported, was it because his ammo was in box too?
Was he transferring baggage between flights? If so, I have read never touch your bag. Make the airport touch it.
I travelled once from PA to NY for a firearms class. Most nervous time in my life although complying with law.
From TSA’s website:
“Firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.
Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows the packing guidelines described above.”
Also, the NYT said he had been in New York since Sunday. He legally traveled to NY with his firearm and then *stopped* in NY for a visit. Meckler did not have a license to posses a handgun in New York City, as is required. See http://www.nraila.org/gunlaws/nyc.aspx
As soon as Meckler stopped in NYC to conduct personal or professional business, he became subject to their retarded laws. He should have skipped NYC.