Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, have set a new record for the most firearms caught at the airport in a single year, with a total of 39 guns seized. The latest incident occurred on Christmas Eve when a woman from Bethesda, Maryland, was found to have a loaded handgun in her carry-on bag.

According to the TSA, the 9mm handgun was loaded with six bullets and was discovered during the security screening process. Officers from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department promptly confiscated the weapon, and the woman was cited on weapons charges.

This incident marks the 39th firearm caught at Reagan National Airport this year, surpassing the previous single-year record of 30 guns seized in 2021. The TSA has been working tirelessly to combat the issue of firearms at airports, with the number of guns detected at security checkpoints already exceeding 6,000 nationwide this year.

Just recently, a similar incident occurred during the Thanksgiving travel rush when a woman from Springfield, Maryland, was apprehended attempting to bring a loaded handgun through Reagan National's security checkpoint.

John Busch, TSA's deputy federal security director for the airport, expressed his concerns about the recurring issue, stating, "Bringing a gun to an airport security checkpoint is no way to enter the holiday season. The nice way to transport your firearm is to ensure it is unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared at your airline check-in counter. The naughty way is to bring it to a checkpoint."

The TSA emphasized that passengers who wish to travel with firearms may do so by packing empty firearms in their checked luggage. However, they must be stored inside a hard, TSA-approved case to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Travelers caught attempting to bring weapons to airport security checkpoints face severe penalties, including fines of up to $15,000, as enforced by the TSA. These regulations are in place to prioritize the safety and well-being of all passengers and personnel within the airport environment.

As 2021 draws to a close, it is evident that the issue of firearms at airports remains a significant concern. The TSA anticipates that the current rate of firearm interceptions will set a new nationwide record for the highest number of guns seized during a single year. Public awareness and adherence to the guidelines set forth by the TSA are crucial to ensuring the smooth and secure operation of airport security systems across the country.

In conclusion, the TSA's recent seizure of a loaded handgun at Reagan National Airport on Christmas Eve underscores the ongoing challenge of firearms at airports. With 39 guns seized this year alone, the agency remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for all air travelers.