Loaded gun magazine found on Frontier Airlines flight at Atlanta airport

Loaded gun magazine found on flight out of Atlanta

A loaded firearm magazine found on a Frontier Airlines flight at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport prompted a security scare Sunday afternoon, leading to an investigation by local and federal authorities.

ATLANTA - A loaded firearm magazine found on a Frontier Airlines flight at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport prompted a security scare Sunday afternoon, leading to an investigation by local and federal authorities.

Gun magazine with hollow-point bullets on plane

What we know:

Atlanta police said officers were called around 4:32 p.m. after a passenger discovered what appeared to be a loaded magazine with 10 hollow-point rounds near seat 7A on an Airbus A320 parked at Gate C-6 in Concourse C. The flight had just arrived from Cincinnati and was being prepared for its return trip when the discovery was made. The magazine was marked with the initials "K H."

The pilot announced a security sweep after the discovery, telling passengers, "We need to do a security sweep. We’re going to get everyone off the airplane."

TSA agents re-screened every passenger and searched the aircraft alongside K-9 units, Homeland Security, and Frontier staff. No additional items of concern were found, and the flight departed safely for Cincinnati at 7:56 p.m.

The FBI was notified and confirmed there were no active threats. The investigation into how the magazine was left on board remains ongoing.

Frontier Airlines responds to Atlanta airport incident

What they're saying:

A Frontier Airlines spokesperson said the ammunition belonged to a law enforcement officer who had been on an earlier flight using the same aircraft:

"We can confirm that on Sunday, Nov. 9, during the boarding process for Flight 4771 from Atlanta to Cincinnati, a passenger discovered a loaded ammunition magazine near her seat. 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. 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 and the property owner was referred to Atlanta P.D. to retrieve his items."

However, an Atlanta police source told FOX 5 that investigators have not confirmed that claim.

"I’ve heard of a lot of delays, canceled flights, but I’ve never heard of this before. This is brand new," traveler Terry Foster said.

Another passenger, Janyia Davis, said she was relieved no one was hurt. "I don't really feel like people were in danger, but at the same time, something bad could still happen," she said.

"For you to just leave it lying around like that and definitely not double check before you got off, irresponsible," said Anthony Jenkins.

Who can carry firearms on airplanes?

Dig deeper:

Federal air marshals and certain law enforcement officers are authorized to carry firearms aboard commercial aircraft under strict federal regulations designed to maintain security while allowing them to perform official duties.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires these individuals to complete a special training and authorization process before flying armed. They must present valid credentials, have an operational need to carry the weapon during the flight, and notify the airline in advance.

Once on board, weapons must remain concealed and under the officer’s direct control at all times. Ammunition and magazines are also regulated, and any firearm handling is limited to emergency situations.

Air marshals, who are part of the Federal Air Marshal Service, are specifically assigned to protect flights against potential threats. Other law enforcement officers may be approved to fly armed when transporting prisoners, conducting official investigations, or performing other federally recognized duties.

In this case, Frontier Airlines said the magazine found on the plane likely belonged to a law enforcement officer who had flown earlier, but investigators have not yet verified that claim.

Who did the bullets belong to? 

What we don't know:

Investigators have not said how the loaded handgun magazine ended up on the Frontier Airlines flight or who it belongs to. 

It’s still unclear whether the initials "K H" found on the magazine match any passenger or crew member. 

Authorities also have not confirmed Frontier’s claim that the ammunition belonged to a law enforcement officer on an earlier flight, or whether any security procedures failed to detect it during screening.