A Virginia man was cited by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport intercepted him with a firearm and 43 bullets at a security checkpoint on October 7. The 9mm firearm was loaded with 17 bullets and was packed alongside 26 additional bullets.
TSA officers intercepted the firearm and notified the Washington Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the weapon along with the ammunition and issued the man a criminal citation.
Guns are not permitted through the security checkpoint and the man, a resident of Orange, Va., faces a stiff financial civil penalty from TSA. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.
“It is disappointing to see someone who shows up with a loaded gun along with so much additional ammunition in their carry-on bag,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “TSA has been in existence for about 23 years yet, guns on planes have been prohibited decades before TSA even existed. Responsible gun owners know the firearms regulations and know where their firearm is at all times. Unwittingly having a loaded weapon in your possession is very dangerous, and puts everyone around you at risk. Our security officers are diligent and work hard to keep everyone safe. We will remain vigilant. I ask all firearms owners to be as attentive to their own property.”