Alexandria Man Took Gun To Airport, Says He Forgot About It

An Alexandria man traveling through Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) was caught at security Sunday with a loaded gun, which he claimed to have forgotten about.

The Transportation Security Administration said an officer found the 9 mm gun when the man's carry-on luggage passed through an x-ray machine at the security checkpoint. The gun was loaded with 13 bullets, including one in the chamber. TSA also found two magazines with another 12 bullets in the luggage.

The man told TSA officials he forgot about putting the loaded gun in the carry-on. Maryland Transportation Authority Police confiscated the loaded gun and ammunition and arrested the man on weapons charges.

This was the 18th gun caught at BWI this year. Last year, TSA reported a record 26 arrests for guns found at BWI checkpoints in 2017.

TSA reminds residents that a gun found at a checkpoint could not only delay checkpoint lines but result in possible criminal charges. TSA can assess fines up to $13,000 for weapons violations with a first time offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint typically being $3,900.

Firearms are never permitted in carry-on bags. Firearms are permitted in checked bags if the following requirements are met:

• They are declared to the airline in advance.
• They are unloaded and properly packed.
• The carrier possesses the necessary permits.

Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on, but may be transported in checked baggage.

Passengers should check with their airline if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees.

More information on how to travel with a firearm can be found on the TSA's website.

Additional reporting by Patch editor Deb Belt

Image via TSA