ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on Monday that officers intercepted a loaded gun from a flight crew member's carry-on at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). TSA said that officers found the 9mm handgun at one of the checkpoints, among the crew member's carry-on items on Friday, Nov. 15. The gun was loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber. TSA officers at Reagan National Airport intercepted this gun at a TSA security checkpoint on Nov. 15. (Courtesy: Transportation Security Administration) Upon finding the gun, TSA officers notified the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Police, who responded to the checkpoint, took the gun and issued a citation to the woman. TSA also notified the airline of the "serious violation." Kitten stolen in burglary in DC “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." Bush also said officers are always on alert for employees "who may have possible bad intentions" and that flight crew employees are subject to security screenings just as travelers are. The woman faces a federal civil penalty for bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. The federal penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000, according to TSA. To transport a firearm for a flight, the gun must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case and declared at the airline counter so it can be placed in the correct spot on the aircraft. From 2018 to 2024, TSA officers have intercepted 174 guns at the airport's checkpoints, according to data released by TSA. Year2018201920202021202220232024 (As of 11/17/24)Guns caught at DCA checkpoints16141030293936