Port Authority police arrested Gaetano "Guy" Savia, a member of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's armed citizen volunteer program, at Kennedy Airport on Thursday after Transportation Security Administration agents discovered a loaded pistol in his carry-on bag.
The 68-year-old resident of Bellmore allegedly attempted to pass a loaded Ruger .
>>> ODOT Finalizes 2026 State Rail Plan Update, Seeks Public Input
380 caliber handgun through the security checkpoint at Terminal 4 while traveling to Syracuse, according to Port Authority officials, criminal complaints, and sources.
Savia was carrying a provisional deputy sheriff shield and a special deputy identification card at the time of his arrest, according to anonymous sources.
Records show he was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm in violation of the terms of his license, which allows carrying for business, hunting, or target purposes, but excludes carrying a weapon with a ten-round magazine at an airport.
The defendant was released on his own recognizance after his arraignment and is scheduled to return to court next month.
His defense attorney, Kelsey Laing, did not respond to messages or calls seeking comment regarding the criminal charges.
Blakeman Addresses Incident
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman addressed the situation during a gubernatorial campaign stop in the Bronx, confirming that Savia has not been asked to step down but will face an administrative review.
"We have an administrative review process both with the sheriff's department and the police department," said Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor.
Blakeman explained that Savia was rushing to the airport to attend his grandchild's graduation in Syracuse when the incident occurred.
"He had in his duffel bag a weapon and he was supposed to secure that weapon. He did not do that," said Blakeman.
The county executive further noted the legal progression of the case while clarifying the unintentional nature of the oversight.
"He obviously made a mistake.
>>> Heavy Congestion Delays Lancashire Motorway Traffic Around Preston
It wasn't intentional on his part and that he was arrested and then it'll go through the system," said Blakeman.
Savia has been a long-term political donor, contributing over $45,000 to the Nassau County Republican Committee, Blakeman, and former County Executive Edward Mangano over the past 15 years.
He also serves on the Hempstead Industrial Development Agency following a 2024 appointment by the Hempstead Town Board.
"I know Guy Savia very well and he's a hardworking, good member of our community," said Blakeman.
The county executive concluded his defense by addressing the volunteer's personal character.
"He's not a criminal," said Blakeman.
The provisional special deputy sheriff program, established by Blakeman in 2024, has drawn significant public scrutiny from residents, gun-control advocates, and Democratic lawmakers who label it a private militia.
Carey Dunne of the Free and Fair Litigation Group, who represents two Democratic legislators in a lawsuit against the county over the program, criticized the initiative following the arrest.
"This is why we're fighting.
County Executive Blakeman’s secret, handpicked militia isn’t just illegal — it’s a serious threat to public safety," said Dunne.
>>> Montreal Metro Blue Line Extension Begins Mass Tunnel Excavation
Spokesman Brendan Brosh stated the Queens County District Attorney’s Office does not comment on pending cases, while Hempstead Town spokesman Brian Devine declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.
