Loaded Handgun Found In Passenger's Carry-On Items At National Airport

ARLINGTON, VA — A Fredericksburg woman was prevented from carrying a loaded handgun onto a flight leaving Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday morning.

Transportation Security Administration officers were alerted to the firearm, after the X-Ray Unit at an airport security checkpoint detected the firearm among the woman's carry-on items. TSA contacted the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority Police, who confiscated the 380 caliber gun, which was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber. The woman was cited on a weapons charge.

“Bringing a loaded gun to an airport security checkpoint introduces unnecessary risks and delays fellow travelers,” said John Busch, TSA’s federal security director for the airport.

People are allowed to travel with their handguns, but the handguns must be properly stored in their checked baggage and declared at check-in. In addition, handguns must be stored unloaded in a hard-locked case, with ammunition stored separately. The hard-locked case must be brought to the airline check-in window, where it will be checked with the traveler's baggage. TSA has more information available online for people traveling with firearms.

“Responsible gun owners know where their guns are at all times and they know not to bring them to an airport security checkpoint," Busch said." This weekend we are very busy with Super Bowl and Mardi Gras travelers and I have to say I am proud of our TSA officers and their dedication to ensure everyone can travel safely.”

The handgun confiscated on Friday was the fifth weapon TSA officers have detected at Washington National in 2024. Thirty-nine firearms were stopped at the airport in 2023, which was 10 more than the previous year.