Loaded Gun Found In Winchester Man's Carry-On Items At Dulles Airport

DULLES, VA — Transportation Security Administration officers prevented a Winchester man from bringing a loaded firearm onto a flight leaving Dulles International Airport on Monday.

TSA officers working at the X-ray machine at an airport checkpoint spotted a firearm in the traveler’s carry-on bag, according to a release. The 9mm handgun was loaded with 6 bullets

Officers from the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority Police were contacted. They confiscated the firearm and issued a criminal citation to the Bowie man. He faces a potential financial penalty of up to $15,000 for bringing a weapon to an airport checkpoint.

“Our officers are to be commended for their continued vigilance as travelers continue to bring their firearms to our checkpoints,” said Eric Beane, TSA’s deputy federal security director for the airport. “Monday’s gun was the second one our team has intercepted at our checkpoints so far this year. We would rather see fewer travelers bringing their guns to the checkpoints. We recommend that when bringing a bag to the airport that travelers start with an empty bag so that they know with certainty that there is nothing illegal or prohibited inside. Doing so is a best practice when it comes to packing.”

TSA officers detected 29 firearms at Washington Dulles International Airport in 2024, which was five more than the 24 stopped in 2023.

How To Travel Legally With A Firearm

Passengers are allowed to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a hard-sided locked case, with ammunition stored separately. Then the locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter, where it will be checked with the traveler's baggage.

The TSA has details online that explain how to properly travel with a firearm.