HENRICO, VA — A Chesterfield man tried to take a loaded handgun onto a plane.
He was cited on a state weapons charge after he was stopped by Transportation Security Administration officers at the Richmond International Airport (RIC).
The TSA officer who was staffing the checkpoint X-ray machine detected the handgun in a carry-on bag as it passed along the conveyor belt.
TSA officers said that the 9 mm caliber handgun was loaded with seven rounds. The RIC Police responded and confiscated the gun and ammunition from the man. There was no impact to airport operations.
TSA’s advice to passengers is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items, as they are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the security checkpoint.
Weapons—including firearms, firearm parts and ammunition—are not permitted in carry-on bags, but can be transported in checked bags if they are properly packed. Firearms must be unloaded, placed 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.
Passengers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA up to $11,000.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its web site here: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 2 million passengers and their luggage every day for prohibited items, including weapons and explosives. To do this, TSA uses imaging technology to safely screen passengers for any items which may be concealed under clothing, while X-ray units screen all carry-on baggage.
