Man Passes Through Reagan Checkpoint With Gun
January 22, 2008 by national
Filed under Incident Reports
A man alerted Transportation Security Administration officials early Sunday morning that he had gotten through the main security checkpoint with a handgun.
Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police were called to the checkpoint where the man, identified as Gregory Hinkle, turned over his firearm and was given a summons for a misdemeanor for violating Virigina Code 18.2-287.01 which prohibits firearms in an airport terminal with exceptions for law enforcement and checked luggage.
This latest breach at Reagan National has air travelers disappointed but not discouraged. Passenger Rob Padgett said, “Their security is tight, it’s tighter than it’s ever been, so whatever the number of incidents is, it’s not many, so, I trust it and I feel safe.”
The TSA released a statement Tuesday afternoon which read in part, “TSA is aware of the security incident which occurred over the weekend. At this time the security officer who failed to identify the firearm is on administrative leave and a full investigation is underway. Appropriate actions will be taken once the investigation is complete.”
