TSA officers stop man with gun at Norfolk International Airport one day after the 23rd anniversary of 9/11

NORFOLK, Va. - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Norfolk International Airport prevented a North Carolina., man from bringing his gun onto a flight at Norfolk International Airport today, September 12. The 9mm firearm was loaded with six bullets, including one in the chamber. The man told officials that he forgot that he had his loaded gun with him.

The firearm was removed from the checkpoint and confiscated by the Norfolk Airport Authority Police. TSA does not confiscate firearms; law enforcement officers do. The case will be forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.

"It is disappointing to see someone bring their firearm to a checkpoint," said Robin "Chuck" Burke, TSA's Federal Security Director for the airport. "But to bring a loaded gun to a checkpoint one day after the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks tells me that this individual has no awareness or appreciation for the important role we play in aviation security. The fact that yesterday was the anniversary date of 9/11 was broadcast on every newscast in the nation, every newspaper and every social media outlet. So, to bring a gun to the airport was a careless and reckless act. If you own a firearm, you always need to know where it is."

In addition to being criminally cited by police, the man 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.

Firearms caught by TSA officers at Norfolk International Airport checkpoints, 2016 to 2024

Passengers are only permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage. Firearms must be unloaded then packed in a hard-sided locked case. The locked case must be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. 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).