A bazooka-like weapon with the power to take down a military tank was seized from a passenger’s checked baggage at the San Antonio International Airport in Texas. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that the 84mm caliber anti-tank rifle, similar to an M3 Carl Gustaf, was discovered on Monday by TSA screeners checking bags.
The firearm is legal to own in Texas, however, it requires an extensive background check. The TSA does allow guns on planes but only if they are in checked bags, and the passenger must declare it to the airline when their luggage is handed over. The weapons must also be unloaded and in a hard-sided, secured case.
TSA Spokeswoman Patricia Mancha stated, “It’s really alarming for anyone who wants to travel with that kind of weapon to not follow the rules that are set. They’re not difficult. They’re not a secret.” She went on to mention that the rifle is so large it usually requires two people to operate, one to aim and fire, and the other to act as a loader and carry ammunition.
The case has been handed over to the San Antonio Police Department, which will determine if the passenger will face charges.
The number of firearms found in carry-on baggage across US airports has been on the rise, with over 6,500 being found in 2022, according to TSA figures. Out of the top 10 airports where federal authorities find guns in carry-on bags, three are in Texas: Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
It is critical for all travelers to understand and abide by the rules and regulations when it comes to transporting firearms. Not following these guidelines can lead to serious consequences and potentially put other passengers at risk.