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TSA officers find 2 passengers with loaded guns within 10 days at Norfolk International

The Transportation Safety Administration officers found the guns via X-ray machines/monitors.

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- A spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said two airline passengers received citations after officers at Norfolk International Airport found loaded guns in the men's bags.

Lisa Farbstein said the first incident happened on March 6.

Credit: Transportation Safety Administration
This handgun was caught at a Norfolk International Airport checkpoint by a TSA officer on March 6, 2018.

TSA officers stopped a man from Chesapeake who had a handgun in his carry-on bag. The 9mm caliber gun had five bullets in it.

On March 15, a man from Hampton had a .22 caliber handgun in his bag. It, too, had five bullets in it, including one in the chamber.

Credit: Transportation Safety Administration
This .22 caliber handgun was detected by TSA officers at the Norfolk International Airport checkpoint on Thursday, March 15, 2018. It was loaded with five bullets, including one in the chamber.

Farbstein said officers staffing X-ray monitors spotted the weapons.

People who bring weapons to checkpoints could face federal civil penalties of up to $13,000. Typically, a first offense is $3,900. The complete list of penalties is posted online here.

Passengers can travel with firearms in checked bags if they properly package and declare the guns. Firearms have to be unloaded, packed in a hard-side case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. Because firearm possession laws vary by state and locality, travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website here. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers also should contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

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