A Chester, Va., man was cited by police on Saturday, August 10, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Richmond International Airport intercepted a gun among the traveler’s carry-on items. The 9mm firearm was loaded with 10 bullets.
“This was the 22nd firearm that our officers have intercepted at our checkpoints so far this year and we are on the brink of tying the most guns that our officers have detected in a single year with four months still remaining,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “The most firearms our team has caught in a single year was in 2022 when 24 firearms were intercepted. While I am proud of our officers for their continued vigilance, I am disappointed that gun owners continue to bring their firearms to our checkpoints. TSA has been in existence nearly 23 years and yet individuals continue to try to travel with their guns—most of which are loaded. Responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times, 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.