NORFOLK, Va. — For the 27th time this year, officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have stopped a gun from going through airport security at Norfolk International Airport (ORF), officially tying 2022's record number.
In a news release, the TSA said a Virginia Beach man packed the 9mm handgun in his carry-on bag, and it was loaded with 16 bullets, including one in the chamber.
The gun was confiscated by police, and the man was cited on a weapons charge. He'll also face a financial penalty of up to $15,000.
“The frequency with the number of travelers that we see bringing their guns to our security checkpoints is alarming,” said Robin Burke, the TSA’s Federal Security Director for ORF, in the release.
2022 broke the previous record of 23 confiscated guns, and 2023 now ties the record of 27. Nationwide, 6,542 guns were caught at checkpoints last year; that's a number the TSA is expecting to break by the end of 2023.
Passengers are not allowed to bring firearms into the cabin of an airplane, which means people can not pack them in a carry-on item. However, passengers looking to travel with their firearm can do so, if they safely and properly store it in a checked item.
"To travel with a gun, it should be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case, and then taken to the airline check-in counter to be transported in the belly of the plane," Burke said. "We mandate that travelers declare their firearms with the airline to be transported with checked baggage to ensure that travelers do not have access to guns during a flight.”
While firearm possession laws vary by location, the TSA can issue a civil penalty to travelers who bring their guns or gun parts to security checkpoints, the administration said. The penalties can be costly.
As for the Virginia Beach man, his case will be forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.