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Williamsburg man issued summons after loaded gun is found at Richmond International Airport

The incident happened on Saturday, February 1.
Credit: TSA Photo
This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Richmond International Airport on Feb. 1, resulting in an arrest.

RICHMOND, Va. — A Williamsburg man was issued a summons after a Transportation Security Administration officer found a loaded handgun at a Richmond International Airport security checkpoint.

The TSA says the .380 caliber handgun was loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber. It was found in the man's carry-on bag on Saturday. The man also had an additional magazine loaded with eight more bullets.

TSA officials notified airport police, who detained the man and charged him on a weapons charge.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition.

Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality.

Individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. Even travelers with concealed firearm permits are not allowed to bring guns onto airplanes in their carry-on bags.

TSA has the authority to assess civil penalties of up to $13,333 for weapons violations. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100.

Click here for the complete list of penalties.

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