Armed Mom Walking Kids To Gate Arrested at BWI Airport

HANOVER, MD — A Leesburg, Virginia, mother walking her children to their gate was arrested Feb. 24 at Baltimore Washington International Airport after officers caught her trying to carry a loaded handgun past a security checkpoint. The woman was not ticketed to fly; instead she had received a gate pass from the airline to escort her children to their gate, according to authorities.

The mom reportedly had a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with six bullets in her handbag. She told Transportation Security Administration officials that she forgot that she had her loaded gun with her while she was accompanying her children to their flight.

TSA officers detected the gun as the woman entered the security checkpoint. Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the mother on state weapons charges.

Anyone who brings firearms to the checkpoint faces possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.

Authorities note 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.

»TSA officers prevented a woman from bringing this loaded handgun onto an airplane on Friday at BWI Airport. (TSA photo)