It was one of the most stressful days of my life—a day that taught me hard lessons I’ll never forget. A few years ago, I found myself handcuffed at O’Hare International Airport, arrested for accidentally carrying a handgun in my carry-on luggage. How did this happen? Let me walk you through the experience, what I learned from it, and what others can take away to avoid finding themselves in a similar situation.
The Day It All Went Wrong
I had been working with a client from a Chicago school, a situation that had me physically and emotionally drained. The school was openly putting their students at risk of a violent situation, and it weighed heavily on me. It was a stressful time—so much so that in my hurried preparation for a flight, I forgot that my handgun was still in my carry-on bag.
I arrived at O’Hare, passed through security, and suddenly noticed something was wrong. The TSA agents were holding up the line, not saying much, and there was a palpable tension in the air. I glanced at the x-ray screen, and my heart sank. There it was—my handgun, clear as day, still in my bag.
The Arrest
The next few minutes were a blur. I was told to wait as the TSA agents called the Chicago Police. It felt like an eternity before they arrived. The officers and TSA staff argued briefly about the situation, but it was clear that the officers had no choice—they had to arrest me. It was policy, after all.
Watching my wife cry as they placed handcuffs on me reminded me of when I was 16 and my mom watched almost the same scene go down. Me, being placed in handcuffs, but for different reasons. I asked the officers to make sure she knew where to pick me up, and they did their best to calm her down, reassuring her that everything would be fine. They were kind and professional, understanding that this was an honest mistake, but rules are rules. I understood. It was all my fault after all.
From there, I was taken to a Chicago police station. I was fingerprinted, booked, and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, a Class A Misdemeanor. The officers continued to be courteous. After about three hours, I was released with a court date. I knew I was responsible for what had happened, but it didn’t make the experience any less surreal.. “I’m such a f**king idiot…”
The Court Date
When the day of my court appearance arrived, I was nervous, but also hopeful. Fortunately for me, no police officers showed up to testify against me. I motioned to have the case thrown out, and the prosecutor agreed. The charge was dismissed, but not without a cost—my handgun was confiscated and eventually destroyed.
Lessons Learned
This experience was a wake-up call, not just for me but for anyone who carries a firearm. Here are the key lessons I learned:
- Always Double-Check Your Luggage: Especially when you’re stressed and time is of the essence, its imperative that before you head to the airport, triple-check your bags. Make sure you know exactly what’s in your carry-on. In stressful times, it’s easy to overlook things, but this simple mistake can lead to serious consequences.
- Understand the Law: Familiarize yourself with the laws regarding firearm possession, especially when traveling. Ignorance is not an excuse, and even honest mistakes can result in legal trouble.
- Stay Calm and Cooperate: If you find yourself in a similar situation, remain calm and cooperative. Law enforcement officers have a job to do, and staying calm can make the process smoother for everyone involved.
- Legal Support is Crucial: Having legal representation is vital. Whether your mistake was intentional or not, a lawyer can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
- Consider the Consequences: Even if your charges are dropped, there may be consequences, such as losing your firearm. We must remember that carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility that requires constant vigilance.
What to Expect if You’re Arrested for Carrying a Gun in a Prohibited Place
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, expect to be arrested, fingerprinted, and charged. The police may be sympathetic, but they have a job to do. You’ll likely be released the same day, but the ordeal won’t end there. You’ll have to appear in court, and even if the charges are dismissed, you may lose your firearm.
Protect Yourself: Training and Legal Support
This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of proper firearms training and legal support. Mistakes happen, but the best way to minimize risks is through education and preparation. If you’re serious about carrying a firearm, I strongly recommend you invest in comprehensive training and legal coverage.
If you want to know more about that, then reach out and shoot me a DM, or email at ceo@joemalonetraining.com and I’d be more than happy to give you some more info.
Final Thoughts
Carrying a firearm is a significant responsibility that requires constant awareness and adherence to the law. My experience at O’Hare was a hard lesson, but it was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of vigilance. Learn from my mistake—always be aware of your surroundings, understand the law, and make sure you’re fully prepared before you carry a firearm in public.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay lethal my friends.
Joe Malone