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It’s A Bold Move For A Pilot To Allegedly Pack A Loaded Pistol In Their Carry On Luggage

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Jena Greene Reporter
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A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested early Wednesday morning after allegedly bringing loaded guns to the airport.

TMZ initially reported two pilots showed up to St. Louis Lambert International Airport with loaded weapons in their carry ons, but later clarified it was only one that was actually arrested.

A witness says that the two pilots were going through the TSA security checkpoint when they were promptly stopped, handcuffed, and taken out of line. The flight was bound for LAX but travelers were told to get off and were given $100 vouchers for another flight instead.

“We don’t mess around here,” one of the officers reportedly told one of the pilots.

This isn’t Southwest Airlines’ first run-in with armed pilots. Back in April, Erik Gibson was arrested for bringing a loaded .380 caliber handgun in his carry on. The pilot said he forgot the weapon was in his bag and was released on $200 bail.

According to the TSA, unloaded firearms must be locked in a hard container and transported only in a checked bag. They must also be declared the weapon to the airline when checking in.

Southwest hasn’t commented on the situation yet.