TSA intercepts loaded handgun found in flight crew member’s carry-on at DC-area airport

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, made a startling discovery on Friday when they found a loaded handgun in the possession of a member of an airline flight crew at one of the airport’s checkpoints.

The TSA reported that the female flight crew member, whose identity has not been disclosed, was carrying a 9 mm pistol that was loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber. Upon finding the firearm, TSA officers promptly alerted police from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the weapon, and issued a citation to the woman. The airline involved was also notified of the incident.

The woman now faces a federal civil penalty for bringing a loaded firearm to a TSA checkpoint, which could result in a maximum fine of $15,000. John Busch, the TSA federal security director for the airport, commended the officers for their vigilance in addressing a potential insider threat situation.

Individuals who work in secure areas of airports or on aircraft, whether they are flight crew members, airport employees, retail staff, airline personnel, or contractors, are prohibited from bringing firearms or other prohibited items into secure airport areas or onto flights. TSA remains alert for employees who may pose a threat to aviation security.

While it is legal to travel with a firearm, the TSA provides guidelines on its website for proper firearm transport. Firearms must be unloaded, secured in a locked hard-sided case, and declared at the airline counter to be stowed in the aircraft’s cargo hold with checked baggage.

As of November 17, 2024, TSA officers have intercepted 36 firearms at Reagan National Airport checkpoints this year. In the previous year, 39 firearms were intercepted, and 29 the year before that.

Bringing a firearm to an airport carries a federal civil penalty, as TSA has the authority to issue penalties to travelers found with guns or gun parts at checkpoints. Civil penalties for this offense can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.

Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to TSA regulations and ensuring the safety and security of air travel. Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with TSA guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.