Loaded Handgun Confiscated From Traveler At Dulles Airport Checkpoint

DULLES, VA — Transportation Security Administration stopped a West Virginia woman from bringing a handgun onto a flight leaving Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday.

The TSA X-ray unit spotted a handgun in the carryon bag of a Gerrardstown, West Virginia woman, as she entered a security checkpoint at the airport. TSA officials alerted the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police of the situation.

MWAA police confiscated the 9mm handgun, which was loaded with six bullets, including one in the chamber. They also found additional ammunition packed alongside the firearm in the traveler's carryon bag.

“It is disappointing to continue to see travelers bringing guns to our security checkpoints,” said Scott T. Johnson, TSA’s federal security director for the airport. “Claiming that you forgot that you had a loaded gun with you is a tragic accident waiting to happen. There is no excuse for bringing a gun to the checkpoint. Responsible gun owners do not bring their guns to a checkpoint.”

After the woman was cited on a weapons charge, she told officials that she had forgotten that she was carrying a load gun. In addition to the citation, the woman faces possible civil penalties of up to $15,000.

The handgun confiscated on Monday was the second gun stopped at a Dulles Airport security checkpoint in 2024. Last year, TSA officers prevented 24 handguns from being brought onto a flights leaving the airport.

People are allowed to travel with their handguns, but they must be properly stored in their checked baggage and declared at check-in. In addition, handguns must be stored unloaded in a hard-locked case, with ammunition stored separately. The hard-locked case must be brought to the airline check-in window, where it will be checked with the traveler's baggage. TSA has more information available online for people traveling with firearms.