DULLES, Va. - Transportation Security Administration officers detected two handguns inside carry-on bags at checkpoints at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) yesterday (Sept. 20). The incidents were not related.
A Stafford, Virginia, resident was stopped with a loaded.40 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with 16 bullets and a Great Falls, Virginia, resident was stopped with a loaded.38 caliber pistol that was loaded with five bullets.
In each instance, TSA officers contacted the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint and confiscated the firearms. So far, TSA officers have stopped 15 guns at the IAD checkpoints this calendar year.
As a reminder, firearms, firearm parts and ammunition-are not permitted in carry-on bags, but can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline. Travelers 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 TSA.gov. 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
