TSA officers prevent man from bringing loaded gun onto a flight at Richmond International Airport

RICHMOND, Va. - A Newport News, Va., man was cited by police on Sunday, September 1, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Richmond International Airport intercepted a gun among the traveler's carry-on items. The 9mm handgun was loaded with 22 bullets, including one in the chamber.

Sunday's gun catch marked the 24th firearm that TSA officers have intercepted in a single year at the airport, which ties the record, which was set in 2022. With four more months remaining in the year, a new record is sure to be set.

"It is never acceptable to bring a firearm to an airport security checkpoint, but to do so during a busy holiday weekend is unforgivable, because you are delaying not only yourself, but also passengers who are looking forward to their flights during the holiday," said Robin "Chuck" Burke, TSA's Federal Security Director for the airport.

"Sunday's gun catch was the 24th of the year, which ties for the most firearms we have ever detected in a single calendar year and yet we still have four full months before the end of the year," Burke said. "It is very concerning that gun owners continue to bring their firearms to our checkpoints. Responsible gun owners always know where their firearms are, and they know not to bring them to a checkpoint."

The handgun was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag, which required a closer inspection by TSA officers. The firearm was removed by the Richmond Airport Police, who confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. TSA does not confiscate firearms caught at checkpoints; law enforcement does.

In addition to facing a criminal citation by law enforcement, 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 Richmond International Airport checkpoints, 2018 to 2024

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).