La Crosse resident caught with loaded handgun going through airport security

A La Crosse resident was caught bringing a loaded handgun in their carry-on bag through airport security over the weekend.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers noticed the gun on the X-ray screen at 11:20 a.m., and called the La Crosse Police Department.

The gun had a round chambered, while going through security checks at the La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE). Police arrived and secured the weapon, TSA said in a statement.

No details were provided on the person with the gun, other than their residency. It also doesn’t detail if that person was arrested or cited.

The last firearm detected at the airport was in 2020.

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.

Passengers can bring firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter.

Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should check for firearm laws in the jurisdictions they are flying to and from.

“Passengers who are traveling with firearms must follow the proper procedure,” Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said in the statement. “Pack the firearm in a locked, hard-sided case and check the bag. Guns are never allowed in carry-on luggage.”