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.