Gerardo Spero: Latest News

TSA confiscated a revolver and five knives from a Cumberland County man July 30. (Courtesy: TSA Philadelphia International Airprt)SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Three guns and five knives were confiscated at Philadelphia International Airport security checkpoints in five days, the Transportation Security Administration announced.July 30th, TSA officers recovered a revolver and five knives from a Millville, New Jersey man, prior to boarding a flight.

Loaded gun detected on passenger's carry-on bag at Philadelphia International Airport (Photo/TSA) PHILADELPHIA, PA. - A man was cited on weapons charges at Philadelphia International Airport Wednesday after Travel Security Administration (TSA) officers say a loaded 9mm handgun was detected in his carry-on bag.According to TSA officers, the X-ray machine at the airport’s security checkpoint alerted them to the firearm loaded with nine bullets, prompting local police to confiscate the man’s handgun and issue him a citation.Police say he may also be subject to fines for carrying weapons of up to $15,000 after appearing in court.MORE LOCAL HEADLINES:Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Philadelphia International Airport, used the incident to remind passengers to review the TSA’s firearm security procedures to avoid penalties for packing items improperly. "The summer travel season is busy here in Philadelphia and our TSA officers are focused on ensuring that travelers do not bring prohibited or illegal items with them through the checkpoints," he said. "I’m grateful that our officers here in Philadelphia and nationwide remain focused during this busy travel season.

PHILADELPHIA - A Montana man was found with a loaded handgun and an additional magazine in his carry-on bag Thursday at Philadelphia International Airport, officials said. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers spotted the 9mm handgun during an x-ray scan of the passenger's carry-on items, according to a press release. Officials said the gun was loaded with 13 bullets, including one in the chamber. A search also uncovered a loaded magazine inside the man's carry-on bag. Philadelphia police confiscated the gun and briefly detained the man for questioning, according to officials.

TSA says a loaded gun was recovered from a woman's bag at a security checkpoint at the Philadelphia International Airport on Thursday.  PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia woman has been arrested by police after TSA officers discovered a loaded handgun in her bag at a security checkpoint at Philadelphia International Airport on Thursday, TSA says. According to the agency, the 0.25 caliber gun was loaded with five bullets, including one in the chamber. When officers first spotted the gun in the X-ray machine at the security checkpoint, police were alerted, according to authorities. The woman was then detained and the gun was confiscated, TSA says. Additionally, TSA says the woman will be issued a federal financial civil penalty, which can reach into the thousands depending on aggravating factors. "Guns and airplanes don’t mix," said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport.

PHILADELPHIA - The Transportation Security Administration at Philadelphia International Airport said it’s "highly concerned" about the number of firearms it took from passengers last year.Federal Security Director Gerardo Spero reports that the agency scanned around eight million passengers in 2021 and confiscated 39 weapons. That figure far outpaces the number of firearms the agency confiscated in the previous two years.Spero said he does not know what motivates people to carry guns to the airport, but he knows "guns and airports don’t mix."The TSA demonstrated for reporters Friday how a pistol can be safely transported by air.