LEGO Set Smuggles More Than Bricks: TSA Finds Disassembled Gun at New Jersey Airport
A traveler tried to sneak a disassembled gun through TSA by hiding the parts in a boot and a LEGO set—here’s how that plan fell apart. 🌐 #News #NewarkNJ #NewJersey #Crime
NEWARK, NJ – A traveler at Newark Liberty International Airport took creativity to a troubling new level—attempting to sneak a fully disassembled firearm past TSA officers using a boot and a LEGO set. The brazen concealment led to his arrest and potentially hefty fines.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at Terminal A. The Mississippi man, who was flying to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, sent his duffel bag through the X-ray scanner, but TSA officers noticed something unusual. Inside, they discovered a 9mm firearm broken into pieces and hidden in unexpected places.
A LEGO Box and a Boot: A Concealment Plan Unfolds
The gun’s frame was “jammed” into a boot under a sock, according to TSA officials. Other components, including the slide, spring, and a magazine loaded with 12 bullets, were tucked inside a Black Panther-themed LEGO set. TSA officers spotted the parts during the scan and immediately called Port Authority Police.
Arrest and Inconsistent Explanations
The man was arrested at the scene, and the confiscated items were removed by officers. Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, emphasized the severity of the situation:
“This is an example of someone who was intentionally attempting to carry a gun onto a flight,” Carter said in a statement.
According to Carter, the traveler initially claimed the weapon was a toy. He then shifted his story, saying it belonged to his brother. Carter warned that, despite the excuses, the real danger lay in how easily the parts could have been reassembled during the flight.
“Regardless of his claims, what I can tell you is that it was a fully disassembled firearm that he could easily have assembled and used on a plane,” Carter said.
Severe Legal and Financial Consequences
Beyond the immediate arrest, the traveler faces both criminal charges and significant financial penalties. TSA regulations make it clear that bringing firearms, even disassembled, through a checkpoint is illegal. The agency noted that penalties could climb as high as $15,000, depending on the case’s specifics.
“He also will face a stiff federal financial civil penalty that is likely to set him back several thousands of dollars,” Carter added.
TSA’s Ongoing Mission to Ensure Passenger Safety
This arrest highlights the TSA’s vigilance in maintaining flight safety. The agency continues to remind travelers to follow all rules concerning firearms and weaponry. With fines and criminal charges on the line, trying to outsmart airport security is a risk few are willing to take—but this incident proves some are still willing to try.
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