Atlanta, GA — Federal authorities were called to investigate after a passenger found a loaded gun magazine aboard a Frontier Airlines plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Saturday afternoon. The discovery prompted an evacuation and a full security sweep of the aircraft.
According to the Atlanta Police Department (APD), the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when officers assigned to the airport responded to reports of a loaded magazine containing ten hollow point rounds found near seat 7A on the Airbus A320.
Discovery and Immediate Response
The magazine, which had the initials “K H” inscribed on it, was discovered during boarding for a turnaround return flight to Cincinnati, according to APD.
“A passenger discovered what appeared to be a loaded magazine containing ten hollow point rounds near seat 7A,” the report stated.
The aircraft was immediately evacuated, and officers coordinated with TSA, the Department of Aviation, Frontier Airlines, Homeland Security, and Atlanta Police K-9 units to ensure there were no additional threats.
After a thorough search, police confirmed that no other suspicious items were found.
FBI Notification and Safety Clearance
The FBI was notified of the discovery and joined the investigation, according to police.
“No active threats were indicated at this time,” the Atlanta Police Department said in its official statement.
Following secondary screenings by TSA officers, all passengers were cleared, and the flight departed safely just before 8 p.m.
According to FOX News, a Frontier Airlines spokesperson said the ammunition belonged to a member of law enforcement who had traveled earlier on the same aircraft.
“Customers were asked to deplane while a security sweep of the aircraft was conducted, along with additional passenger screening prior to the flight’s departure,” the spokesperson said.
“A subsequent investigation confirmed that the ammunition belonged to a law enforcement officer who was on an earlier flight on the same aircraft. The ammunition and magazine were taken into the custody of the Atlanta Police Department.”
However, APD officials told FOX 5 Atlanta that investigators had not yet confirmed ownership of the magazine.
Passenger Reactions
Passengers described the incident as both surprising and unsettling.
“I’ve heard of a lot of delays and canceled flights, but I’ve never heard of this before,” said Terry Foster, who was aboard the flight. “This is brand new.”
Another passenger, Janyia Davis, said she didn’t feel immediate danger but was still concerned about the potential risk.
“Something bad could still happen,” she told the outlet.
Ongoing Investigation
While no threats or weapons were found beyond the ammunition magazine, the investigation remains ongoing. The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are continuing to review surveillance footage and passenger information to determine how the magazine ended up on board.
Frontier Airlines reiterated that safety remains its top priority and said it continues to work with authorities to ensure all procedures were properly followed.
What are your thoughts on this incident and how airlines can improve onboard security checks? Share your views in the comments below.
