NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) - A North Carolina woman who authorities say brought a loaded handgun to the airport has been cited.
Transportation Security Administration officers found the baby-blue colored handgun in a carry-on bag at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport on Wednesday morning.
The TSA says the gun was a 9 mm handgun that was loaded with five bullets and was detected as it went through an X-ray machine. The woman told officials she had forgotten she had brought her loaded gun with her.
Airport police confiscated the woman's gun and cited her on a weapons charge.
The TSA can also cite someone up to $12,000 for violating laws related to airport security. The typical first offense for bringing a firearm to a checkpoint is $3,000.
TSA is using this incident as a reminder that there is a proper way to travel with a firearm. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms, so travelers should contact their airline for more information.
