.The Transportation Security Administration is investigating security protocols at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after a traveler got through screening with a gun.
The traveler informed cabin crew on a Tokyo bound flight about mistakenly bringing the firearm in a carry-on bag.
After arriving at Tokyo Narita, the passenger was denied entry and put on the next flight back to the US.
The TSA confirmed the incident.
"Standard procedures were not followed and a passenger did in fact pass through a standard screening TSA checkpoint with a firearm. Upon the customer’s disclosure, the airline reported the incident to the TSA."
The agency refutes the accusation that the government shutdown is to blame.
"There was not a staffing issue as some are speculating or alluding to in their articles," it said.
"Security standards remain uncompromised at our nation’s airports," said Michael Bilello, TSA assistant administrator for public affairs.
