NEWPORT NEWS — Transportation Security Administration agents stopped a Virginia Beach man with an unloaded handgun at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport on Sunday, authorities say.
John Nolle, of Virginia Beach, was stopped by TSA officers after he tried to pass through a security checkpoint with the snub nosed “38 special” revolver in his carry-on bag, according to a Transportation Security Administration news release.
This is the second incident of travelers bringing handguns through security checkpoints in five days, the release said.
The .38 caliber revolver was unloaded when it went through the checkpoint’s x-ray security screening, according to an airport press release. TSA agents discovered 15 loose rounds and another 50 rounds of ammunition in a box in the carry-on bag.
“Neither guns or ammunition are permitted past a checkpoint,” the release said.
TSA agents contacted airport police, who confiscated the gun and cited the Nolle on a weapons charge, according to the release.
Nolle was charged with carrying a weapon in an airport and released on a summons, according to airport spokeswoman Jessica Wharton.
Firearms, firearm parts and ammunition cannot be transported in carry-on baggage, but can be transported in checked bags if the firearm is unloaded, secured and declared to the airline, according to TSA guidelines.
Travelers who bring such items to a security checkpoint can be subject to criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties up to $12,000.
