Loaded Guns Found In Bag At BWI Airport, Upper Marlboro Man Charged

HANOVER, MD — An Upper Marlboro man was arrested Sunday at Baltimore Washington International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officers reportedly stopped him with two handguns, one of which was loaded, federal authorities say. Authorities say the man was traveling with two children, who were escorted from the security checkpoint and picked up by a family member.

The flier reportedly had a loaded 9 mm gun and two 9mm magazines with 12 rounds in them, in addition to one empty 9 mm magazine, along with an unloaded .22 caliber pistol and a magazine loaded with six bullets. Officials say the man told airport security that he forgot that he was carrying his guns and ammunition with him.

TSA officers detected the guns as the man entered the security checkpoint and placed his carry-on items on the X-ray conveyor belt. Maryland Transportation Authority Police were called, confiscated the firearms and ammunition, and arrested the man on weapons charges.

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Sunday’s gun seizure brought the total number of firearms that TSA officers have detected at BWI Airport so far this calendar year to 21. In 2016, a total of 24 firearms were detected at the airport’s checkpoints by TSA officers.

Authorities pointed out that firearms are never allowed at security checkpoints. Passenger who try to transport firearms through security checkpoints face criminal charges and up to $12,000 in civil penalties.

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 reportedly stopped an Upper Marlboro man from bringing these handguns and ammunition onto an airplane on Sunday, August 6, at BWI Airport. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration