The Transportation Security Administration discovered a loaded firearm in a Lenior City woman's carry-on bag Wednesday evening at the security checkpoint at McGhee Tyson Airport.

A .380-caliber Ruger pistol was revealed to a screener at about 8:21 p.m. by X-ray when Brittany Shook, 27, of Lenior City, was going through the checkpoint, according to a report by the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority police.

The handgun was in a soft case inside a pocketbook belonging to Shook. The weapon was fully loaded with a magazine and seven rounds. Shook told authorities that she forgot the weapon was in her pocketbook.

She was scheduled to fly on Allegiant Air Flight 897 to St. Pete Clearwater, Fla.

Shook was cited to Blount County Sessions Court for possession of a weapon with a court date of April 23. The Ruger was placed in evidence storage at the airport police office.

This is the fifth firearm discovery at the checkpoint at McGhee Tyson so far this year. A total of 17 firearms were discovered by TSA at the checkpoint in 2011.

Nationwide, there were more than 1,300 firearms discovered at TSA checkpoints last year.

"Passengers are reminded to look through the contents of their carry-on bags before coming to the airport," Stephen Wood, TSA federal security director, said in a prepared statement.

Airline travelers are allowed only to transport unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container in or as checked baggage.

All firearms, ammunition and firearm parts, including frames and receivers, are prohibited in carry-on baggage.