Loaded Firearm Found In Carry-on Bag At Reagan National

ARLINGTON, Va. – A Transportation Security Administration officer stopped a man Wednesday from bringing a loaded handgun onto a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), according to a TSA release.

On Jan. 1, a TSA officer detected a .380 caliber handgun loaded with six bullets in the carry-on bag of an Alabama man. TSA officials notified Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, who confiscated the handgun. They questioned the man and cited him on a weapons charge.

Anyone who brings a firearm to an airport checkpoint may face criminal charges. This includes individuals with concealed firearm permits, according to the release. TSA can assess civil penalties of up to $13,333 for weapons violations. A first-time offender typically faces a civil penalty of $4,100. TSA posted a complete list of penalties online.

Airplane passengers can travel with their firearm, but they must be checked and stowed properly. Guidelines are posted on TSA's website.

TSA Firearm Catches At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)