Man gets through security with gun at Montana airport (TSA strikes again)

AP ^ | Jan. 14, 2010

[east1234]

Who’s Tom Daschle???

[Rannug]

A couple years ago I had to pick up my wheel chair bound sister at the Columbus, Oh airport. That arrogant tsa pos had my stand in the “doorway”, and mentioned me to go on. It wasn’t until later that I realized I had a couple of undesirable items on my body. Never detected, thankfully. He did make me take off my sandals tho.

[Red Badger]

Former Senate Majority Leader (D) SD, lost his seat in the 2004 election to Thune. In the aftermath of 9-11, and the creation of the TSA, he would not allow a civilian, non government entity be responsible for the airport security. It was a blatant power grab for Government Employee unions...............

[super7man]

I agree with you.
Choices:
1) Continue on, no foul.
2) Exit security, call wife to come get gun, no foul.
3) Exit security, mail gun home, no foul.
4) Turn myself in, lose gun, maybe go to jail.

Hmmmmm.
One of these things is not like the other,
One of these thins does not belong......

[myknowledge]

Another potential hijacker.

[TLI]

The unidentified man realized he had the gun when he was in the boarding area Dec. 13 and turned himself into TSA officials.

See? The system "worked."

[Still Thinking]

Not the sharpest tool in the shed, this one. He was already past security. He could have just kept it in there and made sure no one saw it. If this was an outbound flight, he might have wondered how he'd get the gun on the plane back home, but in that case his car was probably in the lot and he could have just gone out put it in the trunk till he got home. If he got there on a taxi or shuttle, no doubt there are lockers inside or outside security where he could have stashed it.

As it is, he may have lost the gun, they might have arrested him, they still might, they might bill him for costs involving the incident, they might put his name on some suspected terrorist checklist, and at the very minimum, the serial number of his weapon is now linked to him.

He must have been out sick the day they taught strategery.

[John Leland 1789]

“Does it make sense to turn yourself in after you are past security or continue as if nothing had happened?”

---

Perhaps all of us reading this have asked the same question. I did. Then I thought, it points to the fact that America still has a core of people who still want to do right, even if we feel that “right” according to laws and codes are not always “right” in Constitutional principle, unfortunately.

The local authorities seem to have played it cool and wise, just confiscating the weapon without arresting the owner, who was upfront with them.

In Montana, he might even get the weapon back. Who knows.

[zeugma]

Does it make sense to turn yourself in after you are past security or continue as if nothing had happened?

Exactly. I'd just thank God that at least on that flight I'd have a way of defending the myself and fellow passengers from some whacked out muslim terrorist and continue on my way.

[east1234]

I know, I was making the point that the ass is gone, like a lot more will be next January.

[P8riot]

I wouldn’t. I’d just keep it to myself, and when I was ready to return, FedEx it back to myself at home.

[Condor51]

TSA

Totally

Stupid

Asshats

[Polynikes]

When I was with the TSA a female SFPD officer left her service weapon, (40 cal SIG), in her carry on without declaring it and it got through. Normally a LEO flying armed declares the weapon and signs a checkpoint sign-in/LEO Log. She was waiting to board her flight when she realized her mistake. She returned to declare and apologized. Nothing happened to her. The TSA personnel involved were sent for remedial training on the X-ray Scanner. I was sent over to that other terminal to help out during the manpower shortage. No one was fired or suspended TSA management apparently felt all was ok because the LEO involved brought her weapon back ad declared it.

While I was there I could see why the screw up happened. The atmosphere was a cross between the Oprah/Jerry Springer show complete with X-ray operators talking to coworkers about everything under the sun. An accident waiting to happen.

[William Tell]

super7man listed: "Choices:..."

I would immediately turn around and use the exit to leave the secure area. No way would I continue on and knowingly board a plane with a gun.

I would rather miss the flight than run the risk of spending time in jail or losing my RKBA for life, which shouldn't be, but probably is, a potential outcome.

I would very much avoid turning myself in and supplying evidence against me.

[super7man]

You are right. The consequences of continuing are way too high even if the risk of being found out is low.

Missing a flight is a small penalty for the error of showing up with a gun.

[mombonn]

I’m going to fly next month for the first time since 9/11, and am not looking forward to it. Except that I’ll get to see my grandkids without having to drive for 11 hours!