Austin Airport Baggage Handler Steals Firearms From Checked Bags

posted on March 6, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

If you’ve ever worried about what might happen to your firearm when you check it in your baggage before leaving on a trip, that concern might not be unfounded.

According to a Friday report on Fox News, a former baggage handler at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been arrested for stealing multiple handguns from checked luggage, then trading the guns for marijuana.

The complaint alleges that Ja’Quan Johnson stole numerous handguns from inside passenger bags between November 2016 and February of this year. According to Fox News, Austin police have recovered seven stolen firearms and seized illegal drugs in warranted searches, which led to the arrests of two of Johnson's alleged accomplices. 

Johnson could face up to 10 years in a federal prison for theft from an interstate shipment and for possession of each stolen firearm.

Latest

William A. Bachenberg
William A. Bachenberg

President’s Column | What a Year It Has Been!

Wow! How fast a year has gone by since being elected president at the end of April last year! My first column was titled “It’s A New Day At The NRA,” and included the following:

Standing Guard | We Are the Good Citizens

I am a big believer in transparency. Each individual needs privacy from unconstitutional government intrusion—this especially includes what guns a law-abiding American citizen might own—but an association of freedom-loving citizens must be transparent.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

President’s Column | Getting You Up to Speed

A lot of things have occurred over the past month or so that not all members are completely aware of. I’ll use my column this month to update you on some important issues—transparency.

Standing Guard | The NRA Gathers to Celebrate Our Freedom

The momentum we’re seeing across the country is both encouraging and energizing. January opened with tremendous activity at the NRA booth during SHOT Show, where members, industry partners and supporters stopped by to connect, share ideas and reaffirm their commitment to freedom and the Second Amendment.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

As anyone who has passed a basic civics class knows, the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All legislation and official government actions are subject to its limits.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.