The Alexandria, VA resident's 9mm caliber handgun was discovered in his carry-on bag at a security checkpoint on Monday, Nov. 28, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said. It was not loaded.
Police were notified, confiscated the weapon, and cited the man.
It was the 29th gun picked off at the airport's TSA checkpoint so far this year, Farbstein said.
“As we wind down from the busy Thanksgiving travel period, our TSA officers are remaining alert and vigilant,” said John Busch, TSA Federal Security Director for the airport.
“However, travelers need to do their part to help ensure that they have an efficient checkpoint experience. An important part of that is knowing that there are no illegal or prohibited items among your carry-on possessions. If you are a gun owner, make sure that firearm is not in any of your carry-on bags."
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
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