BALTIMORE - An Alexandria, Virginia, man was arrested at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) early this morning, March 6, after Transportation Security Administration officers caught him trying to carry a loaded handgun past a security checkpoint.
The man was caught with a.45 caliber handgun loaded with five bullets, including one in the chamber. The man claimed that he forgot that he had a loaded gun with him.
TSA officers detected the gun as the man was entering the TSA checkpoint. TSA officers contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on state weapons charges.
As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
