TSA finds undeclared anti-tank weapon in checked luggage at Texas airport

Transportation Security Administration officers found an undeclared 84mm anti-tank weapon at the San Antonio airport on Monday, according to the agency. 

“We don’t see that caliber of weapon very often, thank God,” TSA spokesperson Patricia Mancha told San Antonio TV station KENS 5.

After the TSA officers found the weapon, they located the owner of the luggage and escorted him to an office for questioning, according to a San Antonio Police Department spokesman. 

According to the owner, the weapon is a demilitarized 84mm Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle made in Sweden that was meant to be used in an exhibit at a show in Las Vegas, Nevada—the nation’s largest gun show. 

Today @TSA officers @SATairport discovered this 84 mm caliber weapon in checked luggage. It was undeclared, as required when traveling with firearms or weapons. Here's info about traveling with firearm. https://t.co/FjDYDrQV0E #Monday #SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/ax5sqxHNYX

— TSA_SouthWest (@Tsa_SouthWest) January 16, 2023

However, the owner of the weapon did not declare the weapon to the airline before checking it. Individuals traveling with fire weapons must follow the airline’s regulations and declare the weapon they intend to travel with. 

"It's really alarming for anyone who wants to travel with that kind of weapon to not follow the rules that are set," Mancha said. "They're not difficult. They're not a secret." 

While it is legal to own anti-tank rifles in Texas, the owners must register the weapon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and complete an extensive background check. 

The San Antonio  Police Department is now handling the case, but added that no charges are pending at this time.