2 loaded guns found by TSA at South Fla. airports in 4 days

A representative with the Transportation Security Administration said two loaded guns were found at South Florida airports in the last four days.

A 65-year-old man who was traveling to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Friday was stopped at the TSA checkpoint at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with a loaded .45-caliber Springfield Arms XP5.

A man who was traveling to Reagan National Airport on Monday was stopped at the TSA checkpoint at Miami International Airport with a loaded Bersa 380.

"Passengers are reminded to check their bags before heading to the airport to be sure they are not carrying a gun," said TSA spokeswoman Sari Koshetz. "A loaded gun inside your bag and thrown onto an X-ray belt at the security checkpoint could have tragic results."

Koshetz said that while firearms may be transported in checked baggage -- provided they are declared to the airline, are in a proper carrying case and are unloaded -- they are prohibited in carry-on bags.

Passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from the TSA of up to $11,000.

Click here for more information about the TSA prohibited items list.