Passenger removed after loaded gun found on plane

UNITED AIRLINES BOEING 777-224 N78002 (MSN 27578)

News has just come out that a United Airlines flight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD/KORD) faced a security breach when a passenger retrieved his bag containing a loaded firearm from an X-ray machine during screening.

Besnik Ismajlaj bypassed TSA (Transportation Security Administration) controls and boarded the plane before being removed by Chicago police just before takeoff. The incident occurred during a shift change, raising concerns about oversight and protocol adherence at TSA checkpoints. A loaded Glock 9mm pistol was later found in Ismajlaj’s carry-on bag, prompting scrutiny over airport security procedures.

On the 15th of April TSA officers detected an image of a firearm during routine X-ray screening. The firearm was inside a carry-on belonging to Besnik Ismajlaj. Before officers could intercept the bag, Ismajlaj reached into the X-ray machine and removed the bag himself before quickly walking away.

The incident occurred during a TSA shift change, as noted in the official Chicago Police Department report. A TSA supervisor admitted that poor timing may have contributed to the oversight. Aviation safety expert Robert Mark commented that shift transitions require heightened awareness, not reduced vigilance.

Officers following security camera's located Ismajlaj on a United Airlines aircraft prior to departure. When questioned onboard, he admitted knowledge of the situation, stating, “Yeah, it’s in my bag and its loaded.” The passenger was escorted off the plane without resistance.

Upon inspection, a loaded Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol was discovered in the front pocket of the carry-on. The firearm was secured by authorities, and Ismajlaj was taken into custody.