NORFOLK, Va. — A Chesapeake woman was cited for bringing a gun to Norfolk's International Airport's security checkpoint Friday, the Travel Security Administration (TSA) said.
According to the security agency, officers prevented a woman from bringing a revolver onto a flight. The gun was detected in her carry-on bag.
It marked the 19th gun discovered at the airport this year.
TSA says guns at checkpoints are not only a security risk, but they slow down the screening process for other travelers.
“Thursday was the fifth busiest day in TSA history, and when checkpoints are this busy, it is that much more important that travelers know the contents of their carry-on items and that they know nothing prohibited is inside,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “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 other travelers.”
TSA said this case will be forwarded to the the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.
The woman 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.