A man was arrested at BWI Airport Sunday after Transportation Security Administration officers caught him trying to bring loaded a semi-automatic handgun through a security checkpoint, TSA officials said.
The man was carrying a .45 caliber handgun loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber.
Officers detected the gun in the man's backpack as he entered an airport checkpoint. TSA officers contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police who arrived, confiscated the gun and arrested the man on state weapons charges.
Officials said the man had a ticket to fly to Chicago.
Guns, gun parts and ammunition are not allowed in carry-on bags. However, they can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, stored properly and declared to the airline. The TSA has details on how to legally travel with a firearm here.
Travelers who bring guns to TSA checkpoints can be criminally charged and are subject to civil penalties from the TSA of up to $11,000.
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