Has Been Charged With Violating Airport Security Regulations

A man was arrested at Baltimore Washington International-Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on Tuesday, Aug. 30 after Transportation Security Administration officers caught him trying to carry a shotgun past the security checkpoint. The 12 gauge shotgun was not loaded.

The man, a resident of Mt. Airy, Maryland, was carrying the gun inside a locked, hard-sided firearm case as he entered the checkpoint. TSA officers contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on state weapons charges.  

Firearms, firearm parts and ammunition are not permitted to be carried past the checkpoint either in a firearm case or any other type of carry-on bag; however they can be transported as checked baggage. To do so, the passenger must pack it properly and take it to the airline check-in counter to declare. The airline will make sure the gun is transported in the belly of the aircraft where nobody has access to it during the flight. Guns of any type are never to be brought to a checkpoint. Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.

TSA’s website has details on how to properly travel with a firearm. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

(Image provided with TSA news release)

FMI: www.tsa.gov