NEWPORT NEWS, Va.—A local man was caught by the Transportation Security Administration with a loaded gun at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport checkpoint this morning, Nov. 29th.
The .380 caliber handgun was loaded with six bullets, including one in the chamber. TSA officials contacted law enforcement and the man, a resident of Newport News, was detained for questioning by the Newport News Airport Police. Police confiscated the gun and cited the man on weapons charges.
As a reminder, individuals who bring weapons to a checkpoint are subject to federal civil penalties of up to $13,000. Even individuals with gun carry permits are not permitted to carry a gun on an aircraft. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900. The complete list of penalties is posted online.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-side case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. The gun must be brought to the airline check-in counter to be placed in the belly of the plane with other checked baggage. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on tsa.gov. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.