This handgun was detected by TSA officers at a Richmond International Airport security checkpoint on May 17. (TSA photo)
RICHMOND, Va. – A Spotsylvania, Va., woman was cited by police on Friday, May 17, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Richmond International Airport intercepted a gun among the traveler’s carry-on items. The 9mm firearm was loaded with nine bullets.
The handgun was caught as the woman entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag, which required a closer inspection by TSA officials. The firearm was removed by the Richmond Airport Police, who confiscated the weapon and cited the woman on a weapons charge. TSA does not confiscate firearms caught at checkpoints, law enforcement does.
The woman also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.
“It is disappointing to see so many travelers bringing their firearms to our checkpoints,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “We are quickly approaching the same number of guns that we caught during all 12 months of last year and it’s still only May. We have no issue with travelers who want to transport their firearms on a flight if they pack them properly for that flight. To do so, make sure the firearm is unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case and taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. The airline will ensure that it is transported in the belly of the aircraft so that when you arrive at your destination, you will have your firearm.”
Firearms caught by TSA officers at Richmond International Airport checkpoints, 2018 to 2024
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 As of 5/19/24 |
|
Guns caught at Richmond International Airport (RIC) checkpoints |
14 |
14 |
19 |
21 |
24 |
17 |
13 |
Passengers are only permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and gun owners have a duty to ensure they are not violating any local firearm laws. Additionally, contacting the respective airline could reveal any additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a gun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because a concealed carry permit does not allow a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).