TSA officers intercept loaded gun at Richmond International Airport marking 30th firearm caught this year
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Richmond International Airport (RIC) intercepted a loaded gun from a Williamsburg man's carry-on items on Tuesday, marking the 30th firearm caught at the airport so far this year. TSA officers at RIC intercepted a .45 caliber handgun with nine bullets, including one in the chamber, from a Williamsburg man's carry-on items on Tuesday, Dec. 3, according to a spokesperson for TSA. A handgun detected by TSA officers at a Richmond International Airport security checkpoint on Tuesday, Dec. 3. (Photo courtesy: TSA photo) The handgun was reportedly caught as the man entered the security checkpoint, where officials said an X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag and required a closer inspection by TSA officers. The firearm was then removed by the Richmond Airport Police, who confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. According to the spokesperson, TSA does not confiscate firearms caught at checkpoints, law enforcement does. Officials said, in addition to facing a criminal citation by law enforcement, the man also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint, which can reportedly reach as high as $15,000 depending on the circumstances. According to officials, 17 firearms were caught by TSA officers at RIC checkpoints in 2023. As of Tuesday, Dec. 3 of this year, 30 firearms have been caught by TSA officers. “It is crucial for travelers to double and triple-check their carry-on items to ensure that there are no prohibited or illegal items inside,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Travelers who have prohibited items among their carry-on items will not only delay their checkpoint screening experience, but they slow down others as well. Don’t be that person." Burke advises those packing for their trip to start with an empty roller bag, backpack, messenger bag or handbag to ensure that prohibited items are not in their carry-ons. For information on how to properly travel with a firearm, visit TSA's website. To find information on what items are allowed to fly, go here.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Richmond International Airport (RIC) intercepted a loaded gun from a Williamsburg man's carry-on items on Tuesday, marking the 30th firearm caught at the airport so far this year.
TSA officers at RIC intercepted a .45 caliber handgun with nine bullets, including one in the chamber, from a Williamsburg man's carry-on items on Tuesday, Dec. 3, according to a spokesperson for TSA.
A handgun detected by TSA officers at a Richmond International Airport security checkpoint on Tuesday, Dec. 3. (Photo courtesy: TSA photo)
The handgun was reportedly caught as the man entered the security checkpoint, where officials said an X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag and required a closer inspection by TSA officers.
The firearm was then removed by the Richmond Airport Police, who confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. According to the spokesperson, TSA does not confiscate firearms caught at checkpoints, law enforcement does.
Officials said, in addition to facing a criminal citation by law enforcement, the man also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint, which can reportedly reach as high as $15,000 depending on the circumstances.
According to officials, 17 firearms were caught by TSA officers at RIC checkpoints in 2023. As of Tuesday, Dec. 3 of this year, 30 firearms have been caught by TSA officers.
“It is crucial for travelers to double and triple-check their carry-on items to ensure that there are no prohibited or illegal items inside,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Travelers who have prohibited items among their carry-on items will not only delay their checkpoint screening experience, but they slow down others as well. Don’t be that person."
Burke advises those packing for their trip to start with an empty roller bag, backpack, messenger bag or handbag to ensure that prohibited items are not in their carry-ons.
For information on how to properly travel with a firearm, visit TSA's website. To find information on what items are allowed to fly, go here.
