TSA Agents Stop 19th Gun of 2024 at RIC Checkpoint

(Courtesy of TSA)

A North Carolina man was arrested at Richmond International Airport after carrying a 9mm pistol loaded with seven bullets in his carry-on bag on what was the busiest day in the history of the Transportation Security Administration nationwide.

TSA security officers seized the gun as the man entered the airport security checkpoint. The X-ray machine alerted them to the gun, which was removed by Richmond Airport Police, who later charged the man with a felony and confiscated the gun.

This is the 19th time airport officials have confiscated a weapon at a checkpoint, following 17 such incidents last year.

“When our officers detect a firearm at the checkpoint, the screening line stops until police come and remove the carry-on bag containing the firearm,” Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s director of federal security for Richmond Airport, said in a statement. “We do this because we do not want our officers handling firearms, as this is a potential accident. Therefore, all travelers in that screening line either move to another line or wait for police to resolve the situation.”

“Either way, it’s a nuisance to other passengers, and on a busy day at our airport, I can assure you that any delay is not appreciated by other passengers.”

Firearms are permitted on commercial flights, but only in checked baggage.

For more details on how to travel with firearms, click here.