TSA: Loaded Gun Kept Off Dulles Flight

An Ashburn woman was cited for carrying a loaded handgun at Washington Dulles International Airport, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

The gun was found in the woman’s purse Thursday afternoon at the airport checkpoint. The .45 caliber handgun was loaded with four bullets.

The woman was cited on state weapons charges by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police on weapons charges.

From the TSA:

Weapons, including firearms, firearm parts and ammunition, are not permitted in carry-on bags. Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $11,000.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-side case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality.