Alexandria Man Cited For Loaded Gun At Reagan National Airport

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An Alexandria resident with a loaded gun was stopped at a security checkpoint at Reagan National Airport Monday, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

According to the TSA, the 9mm gun had been in the man's laptop bag with carry-on items. The gun, detected by an X-ray machine, was loaded with nine bullets along with one in the chamber. The man had told officials he went to a firing range a few days before his flight and forgot it was packed in his laptop case.

TSA officials notified the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police, who confiscated the gun and cited the man on a weapons charge.

TSA can issue a federal civil penalty to travelers who bring a gun and gun parts with them to an airport checkpoint, even if the person has a concealed carry permit. Depending on the circumstances, this penalty can range from $3,000 to $10,000 for a first-time offender.

Guns are only permitted for travelers in checked baggage when properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter.

John Busch, TSA’s federal security director for Reagan National Airport, said travelers are responsible for knowing the laws about traveling with a gun.

"All passengers are responsible for all items in their carry-on bags and their checked baggage," said Busch. "Every time we fly we must inspect these bags thoroughly to ensure we are not bringing any prohibited items to the airport. And every time we fly we receive multiple reminders to leave firearms at home."

In 2021, 30 guns were found at Reagan National Airport checkpoints, which is the most in last five years. So far in 2022, 16 guns have been found at the airport.