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Virginia Man Cited by Police After TSA Intercepts Loaded Gun at Washington Dulles International Airport

26th gun caught this year sets record for most guns detected at the airport in a single year

A Warrenton, Va., man was cited by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) intercepted a firearm among the man’s carry-on items on Monday, December 9. The .45 caliber handgun was loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber. It marked the 26th firearm that TSA officers have intercepted at the airport in a single year, which broke the record of 25 guns caught in 2022.

The firearm was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint and the X-ray unit alerted on his carry-on bag. TSA officers identified the firearm inside the man’s carry-on bag and notified the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police who confiscated the firearm and cited the traveler on a weapons charge.

“Our officers are to be commended for their continued vigilance as travelers continue to bring their firearms to our checkpoints,” said Scott T. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Monday’s gun was the 26th one our team has intercepted at our checkpoints, which is a new record for a single year. Still, this is not the type of record that we aim to set. We would much rather see fewer travelers bringing their guns to the checkpoints.

“Travelers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags, so it is vitally important to know that you do not have anything illegal or prohibited inside,” Johnson added. “To help ensure that there is nothing inside, it is a best practice to start with an empty bag. For example, if you don’t know what you may have thrown in your backpack last week, empty it completely and start to pack it from scratch before heading to the airport.”

The original announcement can be found here.

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Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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