Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate - Portland (PDX): Retired Delta Pilot accused of hiding gun in Airport planter

Some news out of Portland:

KGW:
Ex-pilot accused of hiding gun in PDX planter
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 5:21 PM
Updated today at 12:35 PM
(http://www.kgw.com/home/Ore-man-accused-of-hiding-loaded-gun-in-plantar-at-PDX-161864745.html)

A short quote:
PORTLAND – A retired Delta pilot from Eagle Point in Southern Oregon faces charges for allegedly hiding a loaded gun in a planter at the Portland International Airport.

Soren Muir Johnson, 69, reportedly asked TSA screeners at the security checkpoint on June 24 what he should do with his firearm and he was instructed to go to the ticket counter, according to Steve Johnson with the Port of Portland.

Then, TSA employees said they saw him put the gun inside a planter box in the airport lobby, Johnson said.

It would only be news if it was inside security. Probably didn't want to pay the checked bag fee and decided he wold leave it for later

He was charged with reckless endangering, which seems reasonable since the article says the gun was loaded.

But what if the gun had not been loaded? In that case, I don't see how any charge more serious than littering would apply.

He was charged with reckless endangering, which seems reasonable since the article says the gun was loaded.

But what if the gun had not been loaded? In that case, I don't see how any charge more serious than littering would apply.

What if it had been a water gun? What if it had been a banana? You can what if all day. The fact is, he left a loaded gun in an accessible area. I'm not sure where in PDX he left it, but, I know there is a children's play area outside one of the security checkpoints. What if a child had found it? This guy was totally irresponsible and deserves whatever punishment he gets.

It would only be news if it was inside security. Probably didn't want to pay the checked bag fee and decided he wold leave it for later

I don't think the checked bag fee was the problem. It's highly unlikely even his carry-on would meet the stringent requirements for checking a firearm - and that's assuming he had time to do so.

Perhaps in the back of his mind, he recalled reading about a DEN TSO who also took a loaded gun to the airport. Unlike this pilot, Crabtree kept his job at the checkpoint and didn't face any legal sanctions.

He should know better!! No one allowed to bring the gun at security. He have leave the gun at home. He won't do it again. He have followed the rules. The weapon is prohibited.