Key Takeaways
• TSA stopped a passenger with a firearm at Reagan National Airport on June 10, 2025.
• In 2024, TSA found 41 guns at Reagan National and 6,678 nationwide at checkpoints.
• TSA fines up to $15,000 and revokes PreCheck for carrying firearms at airports.
On June 10, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stopped a passenger carrying a firearm at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) North checkpoints. This event is the latest in a growing number of incidents where travelers attempt to bring guns through airport security. The TSA’s quick action highlights ongoing concerns about airport safety and the need for travelers to follow strict rules about firearms.
This article explains what happened, why these incidents matter, and what travelers—especially immigrants, visitors, and those unfamiliar with U.S. 🇺🇸 airport rules—need to know about carrying firearms at airports. We’ll also look at the penalties, policy changes, and steps you can take to avoid trouble when flying.
TSA Stops Another Firearm at Reagan National Airport
The June 10 incident is not an isolated case. TSA officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have stopped several people with firearms at security checkpoints in recent months. These cases are part of a larger trend, both at DCA and across the United States 🇺🇸, where more guns are being found at airport checkpoints each year.
Recent Incidents at DCA:
- February 2025: TSA officers stopped two people with guns in just three days. On February 14, a traveler from McGaheysville, Virginia was caught with a loaded 9mm handgun and extra bullets. On February 17, a man from New Hampshire tried to bring a 9mm handgun with a 15-bullet magazine through security.
- November 2024: A flight crew member was caught with a loaded 9mm handgun at a DCA checkpoint. The gun had nine bullets, including one in the chamber. This case was especially serious because it involved someone with special airport access.
These incidents show that both passengers and even airline staff sometimes try to bring firearms through security, either by mistake or on purpose.
Firearm Detections Reach Record Highs
The number of firearms found at airport checkpoints is rising, not just at DCA but across the country. In 2024, TSA officers found more guns at DC-area airports than ever before.
Key Numbers:
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 41 guns detected in 2024, up from 39 in 2023.
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 29 guns detected in 2024, up from 24 in 2023.
- Nationwide: TSA officers found 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints in 2024.
Historical Data for DCA:
- 2018: 16 guns
- 2019: 14 guns
- 2020: 10 guns
- 2021: 30 guns
- 2022: 29 guns
- 2023: 39 guns
- 2024: 36 guns (as of November 2024)
These numbers show a clear upward trend, with more people being stopped for carrying firearms at airports each year.
How TSA Handles Firearm Discoveries
When TSA officers spot a firearm in a carry-on bag using X-ray machines, they follow strict procedures:
- Immediate Action: TSA officers notify airport police right away.
- Police Response: Police confiscate the weapon and usually issue a criminal citation to the person involved.
- Civil Penalties: The TSA can fine travelers up to $15,000 for bringing a firearm to a checkpoint.
- Loss of TSA PreCheck®: If you have TSA PreCheck® and are caught with a gun, you lose your privileges.
- No Exceptions for Concealed Carry Permits: Even if you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, you cannot bring a firearm through airport security or onto an airplane.
Important: These rules apply to everyone, including U.S. 🇺🇸 citizens, immigrants, visitors, and even airline crew members.
Official Warnings and Advice
John Busch, the TSA’s Federal Security Director for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, has repeatedly warned travelers about the dangers and consequences of bringing firearms to the airport.
He says, “Travelers need to have a full understanding of the contents of their carry-on bags. The best way to prepare for a flight is to start with an empty bag when packing. That way you know with certainty that there is nothing illegal or prohibited that you may have inside.”
After the November 2024 crew member incident, Busch added, “This was a good catch on the part of our TSA officers as it addressed a possible insider threat situation. Individuals who work on the secure side of airports and on board aircraft… are not allowed to bring prohibited items onto the secure side of the airport or onto a flight, especially firearms.”
Policy Changes: Ending the Known Crewmember Program
In response to these ongoing security concerns, the TSA is making changes to how it screens airline crew members. In early June 2025, the TSA announced it will end the Known Crewmember Program by the end of the year. This program, which started in 2011, allowed pilots and flight attendants to use special access points at airports.
The new system, called the Crewmember Access Point (CMAP) program, will be run only by the TSA, not in partnership with the Air Line Pilots Association. Mark Howell, a TSA spokesperson, said this change “represents a broad security enhancement,” though full details have not yet been shared.
These changes are meant to close security gaps and make sure that everyone, including airline staff, follows the same strict rules.
How to Legally Transport Firearms When Flying
If you need to travel with a firearm, you must follow the TSA’s rules very carefully. Breaking these rules can lead to criminal charges, heavy fines, and loss of travel privileges.
TSA’s Firearm Transportation Rules:
- Unloaded: The firearm must be completely unloaded.
- Locked Hard-Sided Case: Place the firearm in a locked, hard-sided case.
- Declare at Check-In: Tell the airline staff at the check-in counter that you have a firearm.
- Checked Baggage Only: The firearm must be placed in checked baggage and stored in the cargo hold of the airplane.
Ammunition also has special rules. It must be packed in its original box or a secure container and placed in checked baggage.
For full details, visit the TSA’s official page on transporting firearms and ammunition.
Why Do People Still Bring Guns to Airports?
Despite clear rules and strong penalties, many people are still caught with firearms at airport checkpoints. The most common reasons given include:
- Forgetting the Firearm: Some travelers say they forgot the gun was in their bag.
- Wrong Bag: Others accidentally bring a bag they use for shooting practice (a “range bag”) instead of their regular travel bag.
- Misunderstanding the Law: Some believe that having a concealed carry permit means they can bring a gun through airport security, which is not true.
The TSA stresses that it is always the traveler’s responsibility to know what is in their bag and to understand the rules.
What Immigrants and International Travelers Need to Know
For immigrants, visitors, and anyone not familiar with U.S. 🇺🇸 gun laws, it’s especially important to understand these rules. U.S. 🇺🇸 airports have some of the strictest security checks in the world. Even if you come from a country where carrying a firearm is common or legal, you cannot bring a gun through airport security in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Points for International Travelers:
- No Firearms in Carry-Ons: Never pack a gun in your carry-on bag.
- Declare Firearms: If you must travel with a firearm, declare it at check-in and follow all TSA rules.
- Check Local Laws: U.S. 🇺🇸 states have different gun laws. Make sure you know the rules for your destination.
- Penalties Apply to Everyone: The TSA’s fines and penalties apply to all travelers, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Penalties and Legal Consequences
The consequences for bringing a firearm to an airport checkpoint are serious:
- Criminal Charges: Police may arrest or cite you for breaking the law.
- Civil Fines: The TSA can fine you up to $15,000.
- Loss of TSA PreCheck®: You will lose your TSA PreCheck® status, making future travel slower and more difficult.
- Possible Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, being charged with a crime can affect your immigration status or future visa applications.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these penalties are designed to send a clear message: airport security is strict, and mistakes can have long-lasting effects.
What Should You Do If You Accidentally Bring a Firearm?
If you realize you have a firearm in your bag before reaching the checkpoint, do not try to go through security. Instead:
- Leave the Security Area: Go back to your car or another safe place.
- Secure the Firearm: Store the gun safely and legally, following all local laws.
- Ask for Help: If you are unsure what to do, ask airport staff or police for guidance before approaching the checkpoint.
Never try to hide the firearm or argue with TSA officers. Cooperation can help reduce the severity of penalties.
TSA’s Ongoing Efforts to Improve Security
The TSA continues to update its policies and increase penalties to stop people from bringing firearms to airports. These efforts include:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The TSA regularly reminds travelers about the rules through signs, announcements, and online information.
- Stricter Screening: New technology and better training help officers spot firearms more quickly.
- Policy Updates: Programs like the Known Crewmember Program are being replaced to close security gaps.
Despite these efforts, the number of firearms found at airports keeps rising. The TSA urges all travelers to double-check their bags and understand the rules before heading to the airport.
Practical Tips for Safe and Legal Air Travel
To avoid problems and keep everyone safe, follow these simple steps:
- Start with an Empty Bag: When packing, use an empty bag so you know exactly what’s inside.
- Check for Prohibited Items: Make sure there are no guns, knives, or other banned items in your carry-on.
- Review TSA Rules: Visit the TSA’s official website for a full list of what you can and cannot bring.
- Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about the rules, ask airline staff or check the TSA website before you travel.
Conclusion: Responsibility and Awareness Are Key
The recent firearm interception at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a reminder that airport security is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are a U.S. 🇺🇸 citizen, immigrant, or visitor, knowing and following the rules is the best way to avoid trouble.
Key Takeaways:
- Never bring a firearm in your carry-on bag.
- Always declare firearms at check-in and follow TSA rules for checked baggage.
- Penalties for breaking these rules are severe and can affect your ability to travel or stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Stay informed by checking official sources like the TSA’s website before you fly.
By staying alert and following these guidelines, you can help keep airports safe and avoid serious legal problems.
Learn Today
TSA → Transportation Security Administration, a U.S. agency managing airport security procedures.
Checkpoints → Security screening locations where passengers and luggage are inspected before boarding planes.
TSA PreCheck® → A program allowing expedited security screening for trusted travelers at U.S. airports.
Known Crewmember Program → A TSA program granting airline staff special airport access, ending in 2025.
Civil Penalties → Fines imposed by TSA for violations like bringing firearms to airport checkpoints.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 10, 2025, TSA arrested a passenger carrying a gun at Reagan National Airport, reflecting rising firearm detections nationally and intensified airport security policies and penalties.
— By VisaVerge.com
