CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) flight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 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 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.
Photo: Clément AlloingUnited Airlines Passenger Removed
On April 15, TSA officers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 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 it himself.
The incident occurred during a TSA shift change, as noted in the official Chicago Police Department report.
A TSA supervisor admitted the timing may have contributed to the oversight. Aviation safety expert Robert Mark commented that shift transitions require heightened awareness, not reduced vigilance.
Officers located Ismajlaj on a United Airlines (UA) aircraft prior to departure. When questioned onboard, he admitted knowledge of the situation, stating, “Yeah, it’s in my bag.” 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.
Photo: Tomás Del Coro | FlickrOperational Concerns
Aviation professionals expressed deep concern over the security lapse. Robert Mark, a former air traffic controller, described the event as unprecedented.
“TSA blew this,” he told CBS Chicago. “Someone was stopped for a potential weapon and still managed to take the bag and board a plane.”
This incident raises operational and procedural questions about TSA effectiveness during shift transitions.
Experts are now emphasizing the importance of reinforcing internal protocols and staff alertness during handover periods.
Photo: Clément AlloingImplications for Airport Security
This case highlights vulnerabilities in airport security systems, particularly at high-traffic hubs like O’Hare (ORD).
While TSA is responsible for screening, coordination with airport police and airline staff is crucial to ensuring threats are neutralized promptly.
United Airlines (UA) staff responded in accordance with safety protocols once informed. The airline has not issued an official statement but cooperated fully with police and TSA during the removal and investigation process.
Moving forward, the TSA is expected to review its procedures to prevent similar incidents.
Additional oversight may be introduced, especially during staff transitions and at high-volume security checkpoints.
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