Loaded Gun Found on Passenger at National Airport: TSA

ARLINGTON, VA — A Fredericksburg man was prevented from boarding a flight Sunday at Reagan National Airport after security screeners found a loaded semi-automatic handgun among his belongings, according to the National Transportation Security Administration.

The unidentified man was detained and charged with a state weapons charge.

According to the TSA, it was the 15th time this year a gun has been found at the airport's security checkpoints, one more than than the 14 found in 2015.

Officials say the man was stopped at the checkpoint after x-rays spotted the gun as it passed through a conveyor belt. It was a loaded 9 mm handgun with seven bullets.

TSA says passengers are allowed to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they're properly packaged and declared, unloaded, packed in a hard-side case, locked and packaged separately from ammunition.

The agency has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

Photo: Transportation Security Administration