For the seventh time this year, Transportation Security Administration officers have detected and intercepted a firearm that a passenger was attempting to bring through a security checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport.

According to the TSA, the Hopelawn man was arrested by Port Authority Police after a 9mm handgun was detected as the passenger attempted to enter a security checkpoint on Friday.

“We have seen a lot of handguns showing up at our security checkpoints so far this year,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “This marked the seventh firearm that our officers have prevented from being carried onto a flight. At this rate, we will surpass last year’s record-setting number of guns intercepted at the checkpoints. We would prefer to see fewer travelers bringing guns to our checkpoints than set a new record. Let this serve as a reminder to others who own a firearm that you should never bring it to a security checkpoint.”

Last year, TSA security officers detected and confiscated a total of 21 guns at Newark Liberty - the highest amount in seven years. In 2023, officials say 20 guns were removed.

Guns are permitted on flights, provided they are declared to the airline The firearms must also be unloaded and have to be transported in a locked, hard-sided case. The guns are stored in the belly of the plane with checked baggage and are never permitted in the cabin, according to TSA officials.

“Travelers always need to know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint and know that there is nothing illegal or prohibited inside,” Carter said.

Illegally bringing a weapon t a TSA checkpoint can carry fines of up to $15,000 even if the passenger has a concealed carry permit.