Officials warn folks to stop bringing their gun through Richmond airport TSA

Local and federal officials gathered at Richmond International Airport Tuesday to share a simple message: Stop trying to bring your gun onto the damn airplane.

Why it matters: Thus far this year, 18 guns have been confiscated at RIC's TSA checkpoints.

• That's more than the 17 intercepted in all of 2023, and puts Richmond on track to surpass its all-time record of 24 in 2022.

State of play: Airline passengers are not allowed to bring weapons or firearms, especially loaded ones, with them onto an airplane.

• It's a thing, like not being allowed to bring on your Costco-sized shampoo or emotional support peacock .
• But unlike giant shampoo bottles and bizarre support animals, guns have never been allowed inside airplane cabins.

Yes, but: That hasn't stopped folks from trying at RIC, include twice already in June and five times in May.

• Plus, beyond being a security concern, bringing a gun through TSA ends up holding up the line for everyone.

Threat level: 89% of the guns confiscated in Richmond thus far this year were loaded. Passengers "forgetting" they had a firearm on their person or carry-on is the most common excuse given.

What they're saying: "Responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times," said federal security director for RIC Chuck Burke. "That's an important part of being a responsible gun owner."

Be smart: Travelers can legally travel with a gun, provided it's unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case and in checked baggage. The same rules apply to ammunition.

Folks caught with a gun at TSA could face criminal charges, jail time, civil penalties up to $15,000 and loss of their weapon.

• They definitely face being flagged to receive enhanced TSA screening for all future travel.