Loaded Gun: Annandale Man Cited for Firearm in Carry-On at Dulles Airport

The Transportation Security Administration says an Annandale resident tried to bring a loaded gun onto a flight Wednesday at Dulles Washington International Airport.

TSA says the Annandale man tried to bring a loaded .40-caliber handgun onto his flight and was stopped at a checkpoint with the firearm. He was cited by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police on weapons charges after the TSA officer who was staffing the checkpoint X-ray machine detected the handgun as it passed along the conveyor belt inside the man’s carry-on bag. The gun was loaded with 10 bullets.

As a reminder, weapons—including firearms, firearm parts, ammunition and antique or realistic replica firearms—are not permitted in carry-on bags, the TSA said. Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-side case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its web site here: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

PHOTO of Dulles Washington International Airport by James Cullum