The following statement was released last week by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Atlanta.
“Millions of passengers travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport annually. Each of those passengers should be able to fly without fear of someone bringing a firearm on-board an aircraft or into the secure areas of the airport. Unfortunately, the number of firearms found each year in the security screening areas at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has exceeded 100 in recent years, with 63 firearms already recovered so far in 2016.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the FBI, the Atlanta Police Department (APD), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are issuing this media advisory to announce a policy and procedure change for passengers attempting to enter into airport security areas with a firearm in their possession.
“Since 1994, it has been a federal criminal violation for anyone to bring a firearm or any other weapon into an airport security checkpoint.
“Until July 1, 2014, anyone who brought a weapon into an airport security checkpoint also violated Georgia state law, and all offenders were arrested by APD officers and prosecuted by the Clayton County Solicitor’s Office. In July 2014 Georgia created a safe harbor for passengers who bring a firearm into an airport security checkpoint if the passenger possesses a state-issued concealed weapon permit (CCW).
“However, notwithstanding the Georgia law, it remains a violation of federal criminal law for passengers to bring a firearm into an airport security checkpoint, even if they possess a CCW.
“Accordingly, these offenses now are being investigated by the FBI and its deputized task force officers, and such offenses are being referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta. In most cases, the person will be issued a citation that will require an appearance before a federal magistrate judge. In egregious cases, the person may be arrested and charged. In all cases, the firearm will be seized as evidence. If a citation is issued, the fine is $100, plus court costs. “If an arrest is made, the charge of violating airport security requirements carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
“In those instances where a passenger does not possess a CCW, that passenger will still be arrested by APD officers, the firearm will be impounded, and the matter will be referred to the Clayton Solicitor’s office according to existing policies.
“In all cases involving firearms or weapons brought into a security checkpoint, offenders are also subject to TSA civil penalties of up to $11,000.
“For further information contact SA Stephen Emmett at the FBI Atlanta Office, 404-679-9000, or at Stephen.Emmett@ic.fbi.gov.”
