2 BWI Fliers Arrested After Guns Found in Carry-On Bags: TSA

HANOVER, MD – Two men were arrested in separate incidents over four days after loaded handguns were found in their carry-on bags at security checkpoints at Baltimore Washington International Airport, federal authorities say. Transportation Security Administration officials say the incidents are not believed to be related.

TSA officers detected the guns inside each man’s carry-on bag as they entered one of the airport checkpoints. In both instances, Maryland Transportation Authority Police were called to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearms and arrested the men on state weapons charges.

On Thursday, Nov. 10, police arrested a Gwynn Oak, Maryland, man who was carrying a loaded .38 caliber handgun loaded with five bullets when TSA officers caught him with the weapon at one of the airport checkpoints. The man told officers he did not know that he had a gun in his carry-on bag and said the weapon did not belong to him. He was ticketed to fly to Las Vegas.

In the second incident, police arrested a Millsboro, Delaware, man on Sunday, Nov. 13. He was carrying a loaded .22 caliber handgun loaded with six rounds when TSA officers stopped him. The man, who had a ticket to fly to Toronto, Canada, told authorities he forgot that he had a gun with him.

Authorities pointed out that firearms are never allowed at security checkpoints.

What is the proper procedure for transporting firearms and pets on flights?
Firearms are never permitted in carry-on bags. Firearms are permitted in checked bags if the following requirements are met:

• They are declared to the airline in advance.
• They are unloaded and properly packed.
• The carrier possesses the necessary permits.

Firearms carried as checked baggage must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read the guidelines.

Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on, but may be transported in checked baggage.

Passengers should check with their airline if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees.

More information on how to travel with a firearm can be found on the TSA's website.
»Photos courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration