Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) intercepted a loaded handgun on Sunday, May 26, which was in the possession of a retail shop employee working at the airport.
The 9mm firearm, loaded with eight bullets, was detected among the retail worker’s belongings during a routine checkpoint screening as he was on his way to work.
Upon detection, airport police were immediately contacted and responded to the checkpoint. The officers confiscated the firearm, cited the Baltimore man on firearm charges, and took possession of his airport identification badge. The loss of the badge prevents the individual from working at the airport.
“This was a significant interception by our TSA officers, addressing a potential insider threat situation,” explained Christopher Murgia, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland. “Similar to passengers, airport employees are prohibited from bringing any prohibited items into the secure side of the checkpoint. We are always vigilant against employees who may pose a security risk to aviation.”
In addition to losing his ID badge, which disqualifies him from working at the airport, the individual also faces a potential federal financial civil penalty, which could amount to thousands of dollars.
“Airports nationwide have been extremely busy during the Memorial Day Weekend travel period, and our officers have remained focused on their mission,” Murgia added. “Our priority is ensuring that travelers reach their destinations and return home safely.”
Sunday’s incident marks the 21st firearm detected by TSA officers at BWI Airport checkpoints so far this year. Last year, a total of 42 firearms were intercepted at the airport checkpoints.