Loaded Gun Detected in Carry-On Bag at Dulles Airport

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped a man from bringing a loaded .40 caliber handgun onto a flight at Washington Dulles International Airport on Nov. 30, according to a TSA announcement.

The Clarksburg, Md. man was stopped at the checkpoint with the semi-automatic handgun and was cited by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Police on weapons charges after the TSA officer who was staffing the checkpoint X-ray machine detected the handgun as the man entered the checkpoint and placed his carry-on items on the conveyor belt.

The gun was loaded with 13 bullets, including one in the chamber.

The traveler told officials that he forgot that he was carrying a loaded gun with him.

The checkpoint lane where the firearm was detected was temporarily closed while police responded to the scene.

As a reminder, according to the TSA, weapons—including firearms, firearm parts, ammunition and antique or realistic replica firearms—are not permitted in carry-on bags. Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-side case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality, according to the announcement.

To find out how to properly travel with a firearm, visit the TSA website. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

Photo courtesy of TSA