Maryland Man Caught with Loaded Handgun in Carry-On Bag

A Maryland man was cited on February 10 after TSA officers at Reagan National Airport discovered a loaded 9mm handgun in his carry-on bag, leading to the weapon’s confiscation and a criminal citation.

According to the TSA, “The 9mm handgun was in the man’s carry-on bag and was loaded with 17 bullets, including one in the chamber. When TSA officers detected the gun via X-ray at the checkpoint, the Washington Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police were notified and confiscated the weapon. He was also issued a criminal citation. The man told officials that the firearm is required for his job and that he forgot to remove it from his carry-on bag when he came to the airport.

Guns are not permitted through the security checkpoint and travelers face a stiff financial civil penalty from TSA if they bring a gun to a checkpoint. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.

“Travelers need to have a full understanding of the contents of their carry-on bags,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “It is a best practice to empty your carry-on bag before you start to pack it so that you know with certainty that there is nothing illegal or prohibited that you may have inside.”

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.”