Loaded gun in carry-on baggage - USA - Curt Lewis

Loaded pistol confiscated at Huntsville International Airport

TSA confiscated a loaded weapon at Huntsville International Airport this morning. (Courtesy photo)

A loaded Ruger .380-caliber pistol was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Huntsville International Airport checkpoint today by the Transportation Security Administration.

TSA immediately alerted local law enforcement after finding the weapon around 10 a.m., according to a news release from Mark Howell, regional spokesman for TSA.

Local police seized the weapon and escorted the passenger out of the checkpoint area, Howell said.

This is the 13th firearm discovered at the security checkpoint by TSA officers at Huntsville's airport so far this year. In 2015, only two were discovered.

Passengers may transport firearms in check baggage, as long as the weapons are unloaded, stored in proper case and the airline is notified.

"Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint," Howell said. "Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items."

Passengers who bring in unauthorized weapons may face criminal charges or civil repercussions from TSA.