Flight Crew Member with Fully Loaded Handgun in Carry-on Stopped at DC Airport on Way to Plane

TSA agents in Virginia stopped a flight crew member attempting to bring a loaded 9mm handgun through a security checkpoint.

The incident unfolded November 15 during a routine screening at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, when TSA officers discovered the weapon in the crew member's carry-on bag. The gun was loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber.

The flight crew member was cited by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, who confiscated the firearm. TSA also notified the individual's employer, according to a TSA report.

"This was a good catch on the part of our TSA officers as it addressed a possible insider threat situation," explained John Busch, TSA's Federal Security Director for the airport. "Individuals who work on the secure side of airports and on board aircraft, whether they are members of the flight crew, work at retail shops, work for airlines, or are contractors of a company that does business at the airport are not allowed to bring prohibited items onto the secure side of the airport or onto a flight, especially firearms. We are always on alert for any employees who may have possible bad intentions, which could possibly represent a threat to aviation security."

The unnamed person now faces a potential federal civil penalty of up to $15,000.

"This was an excellent catch on the part of our officers," Busch said. "Members of flight crews are subject to security screening, as are travelers."