The Transportation Security Administration is investigating a 45-year-old man from Washington State after he brought a 3D-printed “ghost gun” through the Wrangell Airport on July 10.
The homemade handgun was in the man’s backpack. According to Wrangell Police Chief Gene Meek, law enforcement did not charge the man with a crime and could continue traveling, but is under investigation by the TSA. KSTK contacted TSA but the department was unable to make a comment at the time.
The man, who is currently not being named, was heading to Anchorage and had checked regular weapons into his other baggage.
Three agencies responded to the incident
Police Chief Meek said he, Wrangell’s state wildlife trooper and the TSA responded.
“We handled it as an investigation. Made sure that he didn’t have any offenses that would limit him from having a weapon,” he said. “Contact was made with the ATF because it was a little bit unusual. I haven’t seen one of these in a while.”
The ghost gun has a serial number etched by the owner and a chrome barrel with silencer fittings. The upper part of the gun was designed to imitate a Glock.
“This is the first time I came across a ‘ghost gun’ in Alaska.”
Meek said the gun was not loaded but the owner carried a variety of incompatible bullets in his backpack that were not compatible with the firearm.
“This is the first time I came across a ‘ghost gun’ in Alaska.”
Meanwhile, Meek said he will test the ghost gun and send the results to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“I’ll take out some nine millimeter shells,” he said. “I’ll take it out to the range. I’ll fire off two rounds, and then I send the shell casings to the ATF.”
Meek emphasized the need for awareness of what can and cannot be transported through TSA checkpoints.
“Things like firearms, ammunition, knives, razor blades, things like that will get you in a lot of trouble,” he said. “Just be aware of what you’re taking through that checkpoint.”
Alaska does not have a specific “ghost gun” law, but the owner had tax stamps for the suppressor. As of last month, the Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump signed into law eliminates the firearm tax stamp, meaning buyers can purchase a silencer without the stamp.
This past spring the Supreme Court voted 7 to 2 on regulating “ghost guns” as a traditionally manufactured firearm. This means manufacturers and sellers of the kits must still abide by background checks and serial numbers.
