Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Norfolk International Airport successfully prevented a California man from bringing a loaded handgun onto a flight on Friday, May 24. The .45 caliber firearm, loaded with seven bullets including one in the chamber, was detected during routine security screening.
As the man entered the security checkpoint, the X-ray unit identified the weapon in his carry-on bag, prompting TSA officers to conduct a closer inspection. Local law enforcement was immediately notified and responded to confiscate the firearm and cite the man on a weapons charge. The TSA does not confiscate firearms directly; this responsibility falls to law enforcement officers.
Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Norfolk International Airport, commented on the incident, highlighting the significance of the find during an exceptionally busy travel period. “It has been a very busy Memorial Day holiday travel period across the country, and in fact, May 24th was the busiest day ever in TSA’s 22-year history,” said Burke. “When individuals bring their firearms to our checkpoints, it slows down the checkpoint screening process for everyone, and on the busiest day ever, that was certainly not something that other travelers needed to experience. What’s important to know is that our officers are good at their jobs and even with sky-high checkpoint volume, they remain alert and vigilant in screening individuals who are arriving at our checkpoints,” Burke continued. “I commend our officers on their good catch in preventing an individual from boarding a plane with a loaded firearm.”
In addition to facing criminal charges, the man is subject to a substantial financial civil penalty for attempting to bring a firearm through a TSA security checkpoint. Penalties for carrying weapons in this manner can reach up to $15,000, depending on the circumstances.
The case has been forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for potential criminal prosecution. This incident underscores the TSA’s commitment to maintaining security and ensuring the safety of all passengers during peak travel times.