LINTHICUM, Md. – A Georgia man was arrested at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) yesterday (Jan. 11) after a Transportation Security Administration officer caught him trying to bring a loaded handgun past the security checkpoint.
The man was found to have a .380 caliber gun loaded with eight bullets when his carry-on bag entered the TSA checkpoint X-ray machine, where the gun was spotted by a TSA officer who was staffing the X-ray monitor.
Thursday’s gun catch was the first gun caught at the airport so far this calendar year.
As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. In addition, TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900. The complete list of penalties is posted online. 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.