NORFOLK, Va. — A Virginia Beach man was cited for bringing a handgun to Norfolk International Airport's security checkpoint Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said.
According to the security agency, the .45 caliber handgun was loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber. TSA officers also took 16 bullets from the man's carry-on bag.
"The gun was detected as the man entered the security checkpoint," TSA wrote in a news release. "The X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag, which required a closer inspection. The firearm was removed by the local police, who confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. TSA does not confiscate firearms; law enforcement officers do."
Considering the busy summer travel period, Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s federal security director for the airport, stressed the importance of not bringing firearms to security checkpoints.
“When individuals bring their firearms to our checkpoints, it represents a risk to everyone in the area and slows down the checkpoint screening process for everyone," Burke wrote.
TSA said the case will be forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.
The man also faces a financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. For more information about properly traveling with firearms, visit TSA's website.
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