Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Norfolk International Airport intercepted two firearms from being carried onto flights at Norfolk International Airport on Sunday, August 4.
A Suffolk, Va., man was stopped with a .22 caliber handgun that was loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber. In addition, a female resident of Illinois was stopped with a 9mm handgun loaded with five bullets. Her firearm also had a bullet in the chamber. The incidents were not related.
In each instance, the firearms were detected as the individuals entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on their carry-on bags, which required a closer inspection. The firearms were removed and confiscated by the local police, who also cited the travelers on a weapons charge. TSA does not confiscate firearms; law enforcement officers do.
“When individuals bring their firearms to our checkpoints, they are introducing a risk to everyone in the area and it also slows down the checkpoint screening process for other travelers because when a gun is detected, the checkpoint lane comes to a complete halt until police arrive and remove the firearm and traveler from the checkpoint,” explained Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport.
“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.
The case will be forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.
In addition to being criminally cited by police, the man also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.