News & Happenings
May 30, 2008
Transportation Security Officers discovered two loaded guns during the Memorial Day holiday weekend at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).
Transportation Security Officer Jay Helm was operating an X-ray machine on May 23 when he spotted a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with eight rounds in a passenger's carry-on bag. Three days later, TSO Patrick Barry was at the X-ray when he identified a .22 magnum loaded with five rounds in a passenger's carry-on.
Both passengers were arrested and cited for carrying a concealed weapon.
"These discoveries illustrate once again why our officers must always be on alert," said Michael Zunk, TSA federal security director for Raleigh-Durham.
Helm has been with TSA for more than four years, while Barry has nearly two years experience as a TSO.