CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - A Rockingham County, Virginia, woman was caught with a gun at the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) today, Feb. 14 after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected a handgun in her carry-on bag as she was entering the security checkpoint. The 9 mm semi-automatic handgun was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber.
TSA officers detected the gun inside the woman’s handbag as she entered the checkpoint. TSA officers contacted the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Public Safety Department, who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and cited the woman on weapons charges. The woman told TSA officials that she forgot that she was carrying a loaded gun.
As a reminder, firearms, firearm parts and ammunition-are not permitted in carry-on bags, but can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline. Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.
TSA’s website has details on how to properly travel with a firearm. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
