NORFOLK, Va.-A Transportation Security Administration officer detected a loaded semi-automatic handgun in a carry-on bag at a Norfolk International Airport checkpoint yesterday, Dec. 18.
The man, a resident of Pensacola, Florida, was stopped by a TSA officer who was staffing the checkpoint X-ray machine and spotted the.40 caliber handgun, which was loaded with 11 bullets.
TSA immediately contacted the Norfolk Airport Authority Police, which responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the gun and cited the man on a weapons charge.
As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to federal civil penalties of up to $13,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900.
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. 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’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
