Silver Spring Man Arrested at BWI Airport for Gun in Carry-On Bag

HANOVER, MD — A Silver Spring man arrested Wednesday at Baltimore Washington International Airport said he forgot about a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag. Federal officers found the 22 caliber semi-automatic handgun during screening; it was loaded with nine bullets.

Transportation Security Administration officers detected the gun inside the man’s carry-on bag as he entered one of the airport checkpoints. Maryland Transportation Authority Police were called to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on state weapons charges.

The Silver Spring resident told officials that he forgot he had the gun with him, the TSA said in a news release.

Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.

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

PHOTO: TSA officers prevented a man from bringing this loaded semi-automatic handgun onto an airplane on Wednesday at BWI Airport. (TSA photo)