The Allegheny County Police Department has charged a Texas man after a firearm was discovered in his backpack at Pittsburgh International Airport’s main security checkpoint. The incident occurred at approximately 4:25 PM on July 19, 2024.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers first noticed the handgun during a routine security screening and immediately alerted the Allegheny County Police. The police identified the passenger as 32-year-old Manuel Victor Renteria. Investigations revealed that Renteria did not have a valid concealed carry permit and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Renteria is now facing two felony charges: carrying a firearm without a license and being a person not to possess a firearm. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Allegheny County Jail, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been notified of the incident.
The TSA reminds passengers that bringing firearms to airport security checkpoints can result in federal civil fines up to $10,000, with fines increasing up to $13,910 for repeat offenses. This case underscores the serious consequences of such violations and the vigilance of airport security personnel.
