TSA officers prevent Powhatan, Va., man from bringing gun onto a flight at Richmond International Airport

RICHMOND, Va. - A Powhatan, Va., man was cited by police on Thursday, April 25, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Richmond International Airport stopped him from bringing a handgun onto a flight. The 9mm firearm was loaded with 13 bullets.

It was the fourth gun intercepted by TSA officers at the airport so far this month and the 11th so far this year.

The handgun was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag, which required a closer inspection by TSA officials. The firearm was removed by the Richmond Airport Police, who confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. TSA does not confiscate firearms caught at checkpoints, law enforcement does.

The man also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.

"It is disappointing to see so many travelers bringing their firearms to our checkpoints," said Robin "Chuck" Burke TSA's Federal Security Director for the airport. "Last year our officers detected 17 firearms at our checkpoints during all 12 months of the year. Today we are not even through four months of 2024 and already we have intercepted 11 firearms. We encourage travelers not to pack their firearms in their carry-on bags. Responsible gun owners know where their guns are at all times and they know not to bring them to an airport security checkpoint. Our TSA officers continue to stay alert and vigilant to help ensure that nothing prohibited or illegal gets onto a flight."

Firearms caught by TSA officers at Richmond International Airport checkpoints, 2018 to 2024

Passengers are only permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.

Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and gun owners have a duty to ensure they are not violating any local firearm laws. Additionally, contacting the respective airline could reveal any additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a gun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because a concealed carry permit does not allow a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy "What can I bring?" feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).