TSA catches 24th gun of the year at Richmond International Airport

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a Newport News man from bringing a loaded gun onto a Richmond International Airport flight, making this the 24th gun intercepted so far in 2024.

On Sunday, Sept. 1, a Newport News man was cited by police after TSA intercepted a 9mm handgun loaded with 22 bullets.

This catch results in the 24th gun that TSA has intercepted this year, which ties with the record in 2022. TSA said with four months remaining in the year, there would most likely be a new record 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.

According to TSA, the gun was detected by the X-ray unit at the security checkpoint and was removed by Richmond Airport Police, who cited the man on a weapons charge.

“Sunday’s gun catch was the 24 ^th 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.”

In addition to a citation from law enforcement, the man also faces a penalty of up to $15,000 for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint.

Passengers are only allowed to travel with firearms in their check luggage. If anyone has questions about how to properly travel with a firearm, click here .

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