NORFOLK — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Norfolk International Airport stopped a local man from carrying a loaded handgun onto his flight on Tuesday, May 31.
The 9mm handgun was loaded with 10 bullets.
TSA officers stopped the man when his carry-on bags triggered an alarm in the security checkpoint X-ray unit. TSA alerted the Norfolk Airport Authority Police, who confiscated the handgun and cited the man on a weapons violation.
The case will be forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.
“When someone brings a loaded gun to a checkpoint, it is an accident waiting to happen,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “The law regarding the prohibition of guns on planes has been in place for decades — long before TSA even existed. Responsible gun owners know this fact and know the proper way to transport a firearm for a flight.”
Passengers may travel with firearms only in checked baggage. Firearms must be properly packaged and declared at the airline ticket counter. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. A complete list of civil penalties is also posted.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
TSA officers detected 23 guns at Norfolk International Airport at the checkpoints in 2021. Last year, 5,972 firearms were caught at airport security checkpoints nationwide. Eighty-six percent of those guns were loaded.
