Newark Airport Worker had Loaded Gun at Security Checkpoint, Cops Say
A man employed by a company at Newark Liberty International Airport was arrested Saturday after being found with a loaded gun at an airport security checkpoint, authorities said.
The 9mm handgun was loaded with eight hollow point bullets when a Transportation Security Administration agent spotted the firearm in a backpack using an X-ray machine in Terminal C, the TSA said Tuesday.
Port Authority police arrested the Newark man and his employee badge was confiscated, officials said. He no longer works at the airport, according to the TSA.
A Port Authority spokeswoman said the 20-year-old man works for an airport services contractor and was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon.
The gun was the fourth seized at Newark airport this year. Fourteen were confiscated last year, two more than in 2021.
“This was a good catch on the part of our TSA officers, who remain vigilant during this busy spring travel period,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Individuals who work at the airport are subject to the same robust security screening procedures as travelers. Any time dangerous items are presented in the screening checkpoint, we have serious safety concerns for all in the area and the resolution disrupts the process for the passengers waiting behind the offender.”
Jeff Goldman may be reached at [email protected].
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