TSA: Loaded gun captured at DC airport

A passenger was caught with a loaded gun at a Washington, D.C., airport over the weekend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said on Monday.

The TSA said it captured a .22 caliber revolver from a Frederickburg, Va., resident at Washington’s Dulles International Airport on Sunday.

The agency said the man, who was flying from Washington to Houston, was cited for a state weapons charge in Virginia, where Dulles is located. The passenger was then allowed to catch his flight after his gun was confiscated.  

{mosads}TSA Federal Security Director for Dulles Airport Eddie Mayenschein said the incident showed the value of the agency’s employees in keeping flying safe.

“Our officers are solid professionals who are focused on keeping the flying public safe, and this past weekend, through their good work, they prevented a man with a loaded gun from setting foot on an airplane,” Mayenschein said in a statement.

TSA rules allow passengers to check unloaded guns in their luggage. Ammunition can also be checked.  

The rules prohibit passengers from carrying guns — loaded or unloaded — through security check points and on to planes. 

States like Virginia can also impose rules and penalties for attempting to carry guns onto airplanes.

TSA is allowed to fine passengers who break their rules up to $11,000, according to its website.

The agency said this is the fourth instance this year they have stopped someone from carrying a loaded gun onto a plane.