HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — A Suffolk man was arrested on Monday after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered a loaded firearm in his carry-on luggage at Richmond International Airport.
According to a statement from the TSA, officers found a 9 mm handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition at a security checkpoint. TSA personnel immediately alerted local law enforcement, who responded to the scene, confiscated the weapon, and took the man into custody.
“This is a reminder that our officers are vigilant in preventing individuals from carrying firearms onto their flights,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director at the airport. “We ask that travelers who wish to transport firearms do so correctly. This means the gun must be unloaded, placed in a locked hard-sided case, and checked in at the airline counter to be stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold.”
This incident marks the second gun discovery at Richmond International Airport this year. TSA officials also reminded passengers that attempting to bring a firearm through a security checkpoint can result in significant legal penalties. The federal civil fine for such violations can reach up to $15,000, depending on the circumstances surrounding the weapon.
TSA officials reiterated that a concealed carry permit does not grant permission to bring a firearm aboard a plane. Travelers are encouraged to review and follow all TSA regulations when transporting firearms to avoid potential penalties and delays during travel.
