A Chinese national, Xuemei Zhao, is facing charges for allegedly possessing a firearm and ammunition while traveling through the Provo Airport, the United States Attorney’s Office District of Utah announced Thursday in a press release.

According to court documents, Zhao, 53, of the People’s Republic of China, was attempting to travel to Dallas-Fort Worth on March 20 via American Airlines when Transportation Security Administration agents reportedly discovered a black Rossi Braztech International .357-caliber revolver pistol in her checked luggage and nine rounds of ammunition in her carry-on luggage, all meant to accompany her on the trip.

“Prior to delivering the suitcase to American Airlines, Zhao did not disclose the presence of the handgun to TSA or American Airlines,” court documents allege.

After Zhao was taken into custody, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted and confirmed Zhao was not a lawful, permanent resident of the United States, the press release states. Authorities also reportedly discovered a pending asylum application in her possession.

Zhao was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City for the offense this week and faces charges of possession of a firearm by a restricted person (alien), the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Utah said in the release.

An initial court appearance was set for Friday at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

The investigation is being handled by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office’s Provo Resident Agency with assistance from ICE and the TSA.