We're wondering how someone even came up with this very elaborate plan.
A Queens man was arrested after TSA officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport busted him smuggling a handgun inside of a hollowed out DVD player.
He expected to make it through a metal detector like this. He also wrapped it in tinfoil, just to make doubly sure it would be caught almost immediately.
The suspect, whose name has yet to be released, was boarding a flight to Mexico when he was stopped.
The incident has the TSA scratching their heads.
"I don't know why he thought that would be a good idea," said TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein to the New York Post.
The TSA has a very carefully laid out procedure for Transporting Firearms and Ammunition,
When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.
Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm.
Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
A DVD player clearly does not count as a "hard-sided container."
More than scary or crazy, the whole thing is just bewildering.
@tsa/Instagram
@tsa/Instagram
@tsa/Instagram
@tsa/Instagram
Why was an attempt even made to smuggle in the firearm illegally when it could have easily been taken legally?
And why a DVD Player?!
@tsa/Instagram
@tsa/Instagram
@tsa/Instagram
@tsa/Instagram
In other news, USA Today made a crack about the fact that he used a carbon-dated device in which to smuggle his firearm:
Only to find that everybody still uses DVD Players.
And of course, some target groups more than others:
The suspect was arrested by police and charged with weapons violations.