Authorities have not publicly identified a Blairsville woman who had a loaded 9-millimeter handgun in her purse on Wednesday as she escorted her son to his flight at the Pittsburgh International Airport. She could face a civil fine of up to $13,333 and could also be charged criminally if the Transportation Security Administration determines criminal charges are warranted.
The woman was stopped by TSA officers and later questioned by Allegheny County Police. She had been given a gate pass so she could escort her son to the flight gate.
This was the 15th firearm violation at the airport this year. The fine for a first-time offender generally is $4,000.