Gun-packing Atlanta air travelers land in jail
(Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com)
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Monday was a busy day for Transportation Security Administration agents on the lookout for weapons at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Within a two-hour period, agents confiscated three guns from travelers and police arrested them, , according to Channel 2 Action News.
So far this year, TSA agents have confiscated 87 guns at the airport, one of the busiest in the nation. By comparison, 69 guns were taken from travelers last year at Hartsfield-Jackson.
According to the TSA website:
Travelers may only transport unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container in or as checked baggage. All firearms, ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames and receivers, are prohibited in carry-on baggage.
Sheryl Rexrode was arrested around 10:45 a.m. Monday after agents discovered a .380-caliber handgun in her carry-on. An hour later, Derek Morgan was arrested after he was found with a .32-caliber handgun, which his father said Morgan had forgotten to take out of his bag. Another handgun, a .380-caliber weapon, was discovered shortly afterward in traveler Wendy Parker’s bag.
“It was absolutely a mistake. She’s a sales rep,” Parker’s attorney, Jay Jackson, told Channel 2. “She brings the gun with her in her bag when she’s in her territory. She’s a woman just trying to make sure she’s safe.”
All three travelers were taken into custody and charged with carrying a weapon in unauthorized locations. Bonds ranged from $5,000 to $10,000.
Is there any circumstance under which you think travelers should be allowed to have a gun in a carry-on on a commercial flight?
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214 comments Add your comment
Question
December 5th, 2012
2:25 pm
Why did we need to know that one of the people worked at Chick-fil-A.?
IMO, if you have a licence to carry, then you should be able to carry. I think it should be tougher to obtain a licence to carry.
The Truthe
December 5th, 2012
2:25 pm
Are we looking at the real problem here or just looking for another excuse to attack people ?
1. Mr Seward made darn sure to announce that a Chick- Fil-A employee was among those caught carrying a gun on Monday, you neglected to mention who the other people worked for, I wander why ? We seem preoccupied by assuming that people forget they are carrying a gun in there bags as they travel, we should be celebrating that the guns are not making it past the check points. we should be more concerned with the fact that a restaurant employee can gain access to a secured area to be able to throw eggs at a bus, lets get our priorities right.
WHO SHOT JR
December 5th, 2012
2:25 pm
“This seems to be what Georgia wants…”
It’s not what Georgia wants. It’s what a small and radical minority have managed to achieve, in spite of common sense. I hope that the citizens of Georgia and the US someday realize that radical gun advocates, with their claims of constitutional protection, are leading us all down a path to a more violent and dangerous society.
Texas Gravy
December 5th, 2012
2:27 pm
Buy 2 bags, one for the guns and one for the clothes. Only take the clothes one to the airport. That way you never “forget”.
Bobo
December 5th, 2012
2:27 pm
If everyone WAS packing heat, I guarantee that there would be far fewer crimes committed. Armed robberies? Probably down by 80%. Impulse murders? Probably down, since someone would have to consider that they may get taken out first. Everyone has a gun in Switzerland and how often do you hear about crime there?
However, I must say that guns in carry-ons might be a bit stupid because some idiot is going to leave one loaded and it’s going to go off. It’s the same type of idiots that get the gun control lobby screaming at the rest of us. However, I do think that guns in carry-ons would pretty much eliminate any chance of highjacking if enough people carried them. 911 would’ve never gone down that way.
BobV
December 5th, 2012
2:28 pm
Why not explosive or nuclear bombs on planes, or chemical and biological weapons? Maybe the airlines could provide them…
Don't Tread
December 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
WHO SHOT JR: I hope you are a good victim the next time you are robbed or assaulted, and give the attacker what they want. And even if you do that, they might shoot you anyway.
But seeing as you you are adamantly against the right of self-defense (you know, for the “public good”, your “sense of safety” and all that), that would be poetic justice.
markie mark
December 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
well, who shot, we certainly are not going to be able to have a conversation that has any dose of reality, obviously. As a 54 year old grandfather of 3, and numerous service awards for community volunteering, I dont in any way qualify as a “gun nut”; Suffice it to say, I will not waste my breath trying to educate someone who is (a) hysterical about discussing anything to do with guns, and will not apply any logic or reason, (b) labels people automatically without making an effort at a calm discussion of facts or getting to know their views, and (c) cares so little about the principles his freedom is based on that he refers to it as “selective reading”.
Roy
December 5th, 2012
2:32 pm
I’m 74 and have never had a thought about having a gun, much less carrying one. I think all you gun-toters have seen too many John Wayne ( or whatever ) movies and have the belief that they somehow represent reality. I’m fine with the second amendment, but I think they should have added that those with diminished mental capacity shouldn’t be allowed to have a gun. Idiots!
RGB
December 5th, 2012
2:32 pm
People such as “Reality” (yours must be pathetic) should know that it is almost unheard of that a person with a concealed carry permit gets involved in a gunfight. If I’m wrong, send me a few links within the next 5 minutes supporting your assertion.
In addition, violent crimes decline when a state introduces concealed carry capability because criminals realize their next prospective victim may be armed. Indeed two of the three individuals named in the accompanying story are women which means that women aren’t easy marks–unless you disarm them as you are suggesting you would.
Regarding “Georgia is a bad place to live because only idiots live there”, we’ve heard this tired one over and over and over again. And I’ll give the same reply others give: “Delta has a flight out in 5 minutes. See that you are on it.” The state’s collective IQ would escalate just a bit with your leaving.
BTW, Anonymous is 100% spot-on, offered pertinent specific information that would be of value if you’d take a moment to read and comprehend it. But that wouldn’t change your feeeeeeeeelings.
sword ear
December 5th, 2012
2:33 pm
Who Shot JR
I am pretty sure one of the followers of Jesus Christ cut off the Centurians ear when they came to arrest Jesus….hmmm, that was a good shot with his sword! I am not sure what is best in this case, but if you are not licensed in the state you are flying to, then what? I know the folks on the 911 planes probably wish they had a gun in their possesion….
mambo
December 5th, 2012
2:35 pm
Guns don’t kill people. People kill people. And, an armed society is a polite society. I’m fine with loaded guns on a plane, especially by all the crew members. People who are licensed to carry in GA have passed a lot of background checks and are advocates for gun safety and gun responsibility and would pose no problem in a plane or in the terminal.
Alphare
December 5th, 2012
2:35 pm
Bobo,
I believe the most important place to have guns handed out is in the football stadium. Like UGA’s Sanford stadium. Guns should be sold cheaply before the game so that 100 thousands people are all armed.
People are more vulnerable as viewers are extremely focused, while criminals/nuts/drunkards like to get into the game among the mostly innocent citizens.
markie mark
December 5th, 2012
2:36 pm
I’m fine with the second amendment, but I think they should have added that those with diminished mental capacity shouldn’t be allowed to have a gun.
Roy, that is part of the federal background checks, as well as most state laws.
Marshall Kerlin
December 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
Hilarious!! almost had me – assume this question is a joke. Asking if we want to be on a flight with passengers with loaded guns? Amazing this question could even be asked.
GTKSig
December 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
Who Shot JR: You seem to be under the impression that the people who are committing all these heinous crimes are the law abiding citizens who went through a perfectly legal process to obtain a Weapons Carry License. I would really enjoy reading some of your sources proving that anyone in Georgia legally carrying a firearm was responsible for murdering someone. The fact is the people who lawfully obtain a license are not the people who are committing these crimes. Criminals commit crimes. Taking away firearms from those who legally obtained them is not the answer. Narcotics are illegal, yet somehow criminals still find a way to obtain them. Taking away our right to bear arms would only leave us defenseless against criminals who would still find ways to get their hands on guns.
RGB
December 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
Roy,
You should thank God that you never had to defend yourself against someone who would do you arm. But if someone kicked your door in, what would you do? Call the police? What would they do? Oh, that’s right, they have g u n s.
Regarding adding a diminished capacity provision, if you knew anything about having a concealed carry permit you would know that just such a provision exists in Georgia, but rather than doing the research you jumped to a conclusion. Perhaps you have diminished mental capacity.
Ole Roy, read these incidents from newspapers across the country where armed citizens used weapons to defend themselves and their families. BTW, put on your glasses.
http://www.americanrifleman.org/BlogList.aspx?cid=25&id=21
WHO SHOT JR
December 5th, 2012
2:39 pm
Oh, wait: another responsible gun owner! ATLANTA (AP) — A chance encounter at a Georgia gas station left a 65-year-old woman dead and a 73-year-old man facing a murder charge after authorities say the woman’s car and his motorized wheelchair bumped and he opened fire, police said Wednesday
Motorcyclist
December 5th, 2012
2:41 pm
All pilots should be armed.
Anyone else that is so clueless that ‘they forgot they had it’, well what was even the point of carrying it if you don’t even remember having it? Go to jail and think about it for a while, like you should have been thinking when you were standing in the line walking up to the metal detector. How can you not remember it?
WHO SHOT JR
December 5th, 2012
2:43 pm
Don’t tread: “I hope you are a good victim the next time you are robbed or assaulted.”
Thanks for the good thoughts buddy. For your part, I hope you are a good cowboy, get to your pistol first and manage to not provoke someone else into shooting you in response. And I hope you are responsible with your gun during the 99.999999999 percent of the time that you are not in any danger of being “robbed or assaulted.” It sure seems like for every story about someone successfully defending themselves with a gun, there are four or five about someone using a gun irresponsibly, to the fatal detriment of themselves or an innocent person.
NuclearJim
December 5th, 2012
2:43 pm
I just used the French to English online translator. Meli indeed translates as “idiot”. Case closed.
Yes. but only...
December 5th, 2012
2:44 pm
…if they promise not to use it to hijack a plane…
Shane
December 5th, 2012
2:46 pm
According to Hartsfield’s own website the airport handled 3,414,003 outbound domestic passengers and 379,235 outbound international passengers in September alone. The article stated 87 guns over the past 11 months, an average of seven a month. That’s an incident rate of .000001%.
People aren’t perfect and this isn’t even close to being a statistically important issue. Take a moment for some perspective.
Bob
December 5th, 2012
2:46 pm
Yes, all circumstances, unless they are a legitimate prisoner in transport. Ban the gun bans. They are unlawful and misguided. Real criminals don’t give two craps about the laws. As this article shows, only law-abiding citizens get stuck with this mess.
Pirate
December 5th, 2012
2:46 pm
It has always been my opinion that if you cannot remember that you have a handgun on your person or in a piece of luggage, then you should not be allowed to own a %$&$@* gun.
Texas Gravy
December 5th, 2012
2:46 pm
Maybe we should be like NY and have Mayor Reed outlaw forgetting you have a gun in your bag so it doesn’t happen, just like Bloomberg outlawed 16oz cups so people won’t get fat. Come to think of it, he should have outlawed hurricanes.
WHO SHOT JR
December 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
“But if someone kicked your door in, what would you do? Call the police? What would they do? Oh, that’s right, they have g u n s.”
Yep, and they are the only people who should have them. The more you gun freaks manage to flood our society with weapons, the more dangerous our society becomes. By the way, I wonder how many victims of home invasions who owned guns actually managed to get to them in time to do any good? I wonder how much more likely an armed criminal is to shoot you if you are pointing a gun at him? You can take your chances with the gun, I’ll take my chances without one. It’s worked pretty well for me for more than four decades. And when we are sharing public space together, please leave your deadly and unnecessary toy at home where it belongs.
Luny
December 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
JR – I would be more than happy to stand by while you or family are robbed, assaulted or worse, whether in the baggage claim or elsewhere. When you or your family is attacked, please, just let me know that you believe i should not have a firearm, and i’ll gladly walk away as opposed to intervening. that really goes to all you whining liberals that think only gov’t should have guns. Just let me know and i won’t do a damn thing to assist you or your family in a time of need.
MOLON LABE
JANICE
December 5th, 2012
2:50 pm
NOT ON THE FLIGHT/PLANE itself. If they wish to put it in the luggage which will NOT be on board, so be it.
ET
December 5th, 2012
2:51 pm
I don’t care anymore. I want anarchy.
Luny
December 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
You do understand that the 2nd amendment was written so the people would be able to protect themselves from a tyrannical government, right? If the government (aka police) are the only ones that should be allowed to have guns, what would that lead to? History is a great educator. If you read through history and look at the long list of despots and tyrants that have terrorized their own people, they all had one thing in common – they disarmed the people. An unarmed populace has no recourse against a tyrannical government.
Luny
December 5th, 2012
2:53 pm
JR – there is your first problem, guns are not toys
I hate guns
December 5th, 2012
2:54 pm
This just proves that smart people do stupid things many times.
WHO SHOT JR
December 5th, 2012
2:54 pm
Luny: please, don’t pretend that your macho posturing is done with the public good in mind. Your behavior is selfish and paranoid and our society would be saner and safer without people like you in it. Yes, please don’t intervene if I’m being assaulted or robbed in the baggage claim area. I’m willing to take that chance. Besides, if you start acting like a cowboy, someone’s likely to get shot, and that could be me or someone I care about.
“Why don’t we dump ‘em people, to the bottom of the sea
Before some old fool come around here, want to shoot either you or me”
That’s a little reminder of a time when Southern white people still had a little common sense.
WHO SHOT JR
December 5th, 2012
2:57 pm
“An unarmed populace has no recourse against a tyrannical government.” This is more hollow rhetoric from the gun crowd. No one is arguing with your right to keep a long gun at home–for protection, squirrel hunting, and protecting yourself against the gub’mint and the U.N. when they come to get you.
Lynn
December 5th, 2012
2:58 pm
To all the people named Anonymous/Anon who are name-calling — at least have the guts to post under your real name. Calling people “an idiot” because they happen to disagree with you is a type of false argument that people engage in when they are either too emotional to stay focused on the issue being discussed or too uninformed to make a logical argument.
HungryCoyote
December 5th, 2012
2:59 pm
Can somebody shoot “Anonymous” in the face? that would be great!
WHO SHOT JR
December 5th, 2012
3:00 pm
Luny: “there is your first problem, guns are not toys”
Actually, it’s only my problem to the extent that irresponsible people are allowed to carry around deadly weapons. It’s painfully obvious that our ability to devise deadly technology has far outstripped our ability to determine who is and who isn’t “responsible” and to know when a person who was formerly determined “responsible” has, for reasons of mental illness, intoxication, whatever, has crossed the line into being “irresponsible.”
dood
December 5th, 2012
3:03 pm
How can you “forget” having a pistol in your bag as you are walking up to a secure area, with signs and pictures that directly cover guns? That excuse is total BS. Fine them to the max, throw them in the can, and take away their license to carry for a year. Before Anonymous attacks me- I’m a gun owner, have a few, and a license to carry. I don’t however carry it to the airport just because.
Alphare
December 5th, 2012
3:04 pm
Lynn,
don’t worry about Anonymous/Anon’s emotional state. He has guns to protect himself.
Ducktown, GA
December 5th, 2012
3:06 pm
I don’t support guns on a flight, but I’m not gonna throw someone in jail for “terrorism” b/c they “forgot” they left their gun in a bag. I could see it happening. The last thing we need to do is make these “stiff” penalties for doing something by mistake. The federal govt most of the time can’t prove the person intended to carry the weapon on the plane any more than they can prove they didn’t intend to. You don’t even really have to arrest the person. What a waste of resources.
We should give them two options assuming they don’t have any prior arrests, warrants, etc.:
1) Go to jail and pay a fine,
or
-Miss the flight and be on the next on along with:
2) Confiscate the gun, put it in “holding” for 5-10 days and have the person pay a fee to pick the firearm back up, no ammunition, when they get back to the airport. This way, if there was really any malicious intent, you’ve avoided it and the person will come back for the gun if they really want it. If they don’t, then the cops probably got someone who is up to something and they can be put on a suspect list. And if say Atlanta is not their “home” airport, there should be a box (that is appropriate box to carry a firearm in) and they can purchase at the airport that goes into checked luggage. The airport would get their “fine” either way and the taxpayers and the individuals would avoid the hassle of a court date.
Sean
December 5th, 2012
3:07 pm
I seriously doubt that these people knew the guns were in the bags because everyone knows you will be screened and that it won’t make it through. For individuals like myself who have a permit to carry it is as simple as purchasing a lockable case and unload the gun and declare that you have it in your checked luggage and your good to go; so to think these people were trying to circumvent the security is stupid.
Ueeediot
December 5th, 2012
3:09 pm
You like to lambast the concealed carry laws.
Fool.
Please explain your logic where a citizen who legally obtains a firearm and legally obtains the proper permit to carry said firearm would do so with the intent to use the firearm to commit a crime.
The fact is, by and large, concealed carry permit holders DO NOT COMMIT GUN CRIMES
Quit badgering law abiding citizens. No, I WILL NOT keep my firearm at home, nor will I relinquish my right to protect myself, because you are too scared or too stupid to understand proper firearm safety.
It has been decided by the same supreme court that upheld Obamacare that it is NOT the job of the police to protect you. (The reason you cannot sue law enforcement for not stopping someone from shooting you) The job of the police to arrest and jail criminals. It is your job to protect you and your family.
JOe Boe
December 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
I wonder if the gun apologists would be as supportive if the person arrested was wearing a turban and a white robe.
The Truthe
December 5th, 2012
3:11 pm
Idiots think if you take guns away from criminals there will be no more crime, these same idiots believe simply putting a lock on a door will stop all burglars.
I promise you my locks do not stop break-ins, but might .44 will.
chest fever
December 5th, 2012
3:12 pm
I forgot I had it. I forgot the safety was off. Oops! Sorry I shot you. Throw the book at them.
scott
December 5th, 2012
3:12 pm
Why did we need to know that one of the people worked at Chick-fil-A.?
Because The AJC is bias to the left and hate CFA.
Gun Toter
December 5th, 2012
3:13 pm
So how many guns did the 9/11 terrorists have? Yeah, that would be none. How about lets arm all passengers and execute actual terrorists on the spot? It does not seem right to punish otherwise law abiding citizens for making a simple mistake.
AltSteve
December 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
I haven’t checked the latest US stats, but I believe drunk people in cars kill drastically more people than drunk people with guns.
There are people who travel on airlines that have need of a firearm. People who transport any item of large value often have carry permits. While I do agree there is not a reason they need to have a gun on the plane, they may need it once arriving at their destination. Airlines need to have a more secure manner to check guns (and other valuables). I know two people who checked guns in Atlanta, but the guns never arrived at their destination.
4minutestilwapner
December 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
What a stupid question. Really, really stupid.