TSA confiscates tops assault rifle at New Orleans airport

NEW ORLEANS — A passenger attempting to board a flight in New Orleans was arrested after a Transportation Security Administration officer found an assault rifle and 163 rounds of ammunition, authorities said.

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In a news release, the TSA stated that the 52-year-old man from Jefferson, Louisiana, had a Palmetto PA-15 Multi AR firearm loaded with 30 rounds of .300 caliber ammunition in his carry-on bag at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Tuesday. Officials said that five additional magazines were also loaded.

The suspect was attempting to board a flight to Houston.

The suspect faces a civil penalty from the TSA that could cost up to $15,000, the agency said.

The TSA said that 14 firearms have been stopped this year by officers at the New Orleans airport, WWL-TV reported. According to the TSA, it was the second time Tuesday that a passenger attempted to board an aircraft in New Orleans with a weapon.

Officials said a Glock was recovered, the TSA news release stated.

“Threat detection is our mission and our dedicated workforce is protecting the traveling public every day,” TSA Federal Security Director Arden Hudson said in a statement. “Passengers need to focus on what is inside their carry-ons before entering our checkpoint. The introduction of a loaded weapon poses an unnecessary risk to both the traveling public and our employees.”