NEWPORT NEWS — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stopped a man carrying a loaded handgun onto an airplane at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.
According to an Oct. 4 release from TSA, the man, only identified as being from Ohio, was stopped on Oct. 1 while carrying a loaded .380 caliber handgun onto an airplane. TSA officials detected it in the man’s carry-on luggage and immediately reported it to airport police.
At that time, airport police responded to the TSA checkpoint to confiscate the weapon. The man told officials that he was living and working in a motel and carries the gun for personal protection. He noted that he forgot that the weapon was loaded before heading to the airport for his flight.
Passengers are allowed to bring firearms in checked baggage but only if they are properly packaged and declared at the airline’s ticket counter. TSA notes that said firearms must not be loaded, packed separately from ammunition, and placed in a hard-sided case. Also, passengers need to be aware of laws regarding firearms as they vary based on state and locality. For more guidance, visit the website for TSA.
TSA notes that it reserves the right to issue civil penalties against travelers who carry gun and gun parts to its security checkpoints. These penalties are universal, regardless of whether the individual has concealed carry permits as firearms are not allowed to be carried onto an airplane. For a complete list of civil penalties, click here.
It is unknown if local authorities have issued further charges against this passenger.