A Southwest Airlines co-pilot was arrested at Albany International Airport after a loaded gun was found in his carry-on bag.
Transportation Security Administration officers discovered the .45 caliber firearm, which was loaded with six bullets, at a security checkpoint.
The TSA officer alerted a police officer who confiscated the firearm and arrested the pilot on a weapons charge.
This caused a delay to the Chicago bound flight of about four hours.
"This incident highlights the importance of what TSA and its dedicated security officers do each and every day in protecting the flying public," the TSA’s Upstate New York federal security director Bart R. Johnson said.
"I am grateful to the support that the Albany County Sheriff’s Office provides to TSA on a daily basis."
"The security of Albany International Airport is one of my top priorities for the sheriff’s office and this incident highlights the importance of the work we do there," said Albany County sheriff Craig D. Apple, Sr.
The co-pilot could face a civil penalty fine of up to $12,000.
