LINTHICUM, Md. – A Maryland man was arrested at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Saturday, April 7 after a Transportation Security Administration officer caught him trying to bring a loaded handgun past the security checkpoint.
The man, a resident of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, was found to have a 9 mm handgun loaded with three 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.
The Chester, Maryland, man told TSA officials that he forgot that he had his loaded gun with him.
Saturday’s gun catch was the sixth gun caught at the airport so far this calendar year.
TSA Firearms Catches at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Airport | Firearms Caught in 2016 | Firearms caught in 2017 | Firearms caught in 2018 (as of 4-9-18) |
BWI Airport | 24 | 26 | 6 |
As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. Even travelers with firearm permits are not allowed to bring guns onto airplanes. 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’s website has details on how to properly travel with a firearm. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.