NORFOLK, Va. — Two loaded guns were confiscated in two separate incidents at Norfolk International Airport over the weekend, according to a release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
TSA said its officers at the airport intercepted two guns from being carried onto flights on Sunday.
A Suffolk man was stopped with a .22 caliber handgun that was loaded with eight bullets, including one in the chamber, according to TSA. Additionally, TSA said a woman from Illinois was stopped with a 9mm handgun loaded with give bullets-- including one bullet in the chamber.
TSA investigators believe the two incidents were not related.
In each incident, the guns were detected by TSA's X-ray unit as the man and woman entered the airport's security checkpoint with their carry-on bags. The guns were confiscated by police, who cited both travelers on a weapons charge.
“When individuals bring their firearms to our checkpoints, they are introducing a risk to everyone in the area and it also slows down the checkpoint screening process for other travelers because when a gun is detected, the checkpoint lane comes to a complete halt until police arrive and remove the firearm and traveler from the checkpoint,” TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport Robin “Chuck” Burke said.
The cases will be turned over to the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney for possible criminal prosecution. The man is also facing a civil penalty of up to $15,000.
So far this year, TSA said it's intercepted 22 guns at Norfolk's airport as of Sunday, Aug. 4.
“Our officers are good at their jobs and even with sky-high checkpoint volume, they remain alert and vigilant in screening individuals who are arriving at our checkpoints,” Burke added.