Louisiana-Based Pilot Charged For Having a Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag

A Louisiana-based Southwest Airlines pilot from was charged in New York state after security officers found a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag on Monday. 55-year-old Erik Gibson was taken into custody shortly before a flight from Albany, NY to Tampa, FL. The gun was found at the airport security checkpoint. Gibson told TSA officials that he simply forgot it was in his bag.

Gibson bypassed routine security checks when he flew from New Orleans to Albany on Sunday. The specific crew line at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport did not have security screening. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple says Gibson was charged with a misdemeanor and released on $200 bail. Southwest Airlines has not responded to requests for comment.