A man is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly attempting to bring a handgun through the security gates at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday.
Robert Stalter, 49 of Bethel Park, was observed with a handgun within his backpack at the main security checkpoint at about 12:15 p.m. on Friday, according to Allegheny County Police.
Police said Stalter possessed an expired concealed carry permit. He is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, which is a misdemeanor offense.
Firearm confiscations have been on the rise at local and national airports. Friday’s confiscation marks at least the sixth gun taken at Pittsburgh International Airport this year.
Last year, a record 6,737 firearms were caught at checkpoints nationwide.
County police said the FBI was also notified of Friday’s incident.
Passengers who bring firearms into an airport security checkpoint can face federal civil fines from the Transportation Security Administration up to $10,000.
