Silver Spring Man Brings Gun To BWI Security Checkpoint: TSA

HANOVER, MD – A Silver Spring man was charged Monday, Dec. 3, after federal officers found a handgun in his bag at a security checkpoint at BWI Airport. The man had a .40 caliber handgun loaded with 11 bullets, including one in the chamber, in his carry-on bag, according to a news release from the Transportation Security Administration.

Authorities say the handgun was detected by a TSA officer when the man’s carry-on luggage entered the TSA checkpoint X-ray machine. TSA contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, who confiscated the gun and cited the man on weapons charges.

It marked the 22nd gun caught at one of the airport checkpoints so far this year. Last year TSA officers detected 26 firearms at the airport's checkpoints which was a record.

When someone brings a firearm to a checkpoint, it closes the checkpoint lane until the situation can be resolved, forcing other travelers to shift into another lane and delaying their passage through the checkpoint.

Travelers who bring firearms to TSA checkpoints are subject to criminal charges. Even travelers with firearm permits are not allowed to bring guns onto airplanes.

Authorities remind airline passengers that firearms are never allowed at security checkpoints. Passenger who try to transport firearms through security checkpoints face criminal charges and the TSA has the authority to assess fines of up to $13,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900.

What is the proper procedure for transporting firearms 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.

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PHOTO: TSA officers prevented a man from bringing this loaded handgun onto an airplane on Dec. 3 at BWI Airport. (Photo courtesy of TSA.)