TSA officials stop 19th firearm of 2024 at RIC checkpoint

A North Carolina man was arrested at Richmond International Airport after bringing a 9mm gun loaded gun with seven bullets in his carry-on items on what was the busiest day in Transportation Security Administration history nationwide.

TSA security officers caught the gun July 7 as the man entered the airport's security checkpoint. The X-ray machine alerted them to the weapon, which was removed by Richmond Airport Police, who then charged the man with a crime and confiscated the weapon.

It was the 19th time officials at the airport have confiscated a gun at the checkpoint, following 17 such occurrences all of last year.

“When our officers detect a firearm at the checkpoint, the checkpoint lane comes to a halt until police come and remove the carry-on bag with the gun," TSA’s federal security director for Richmond Airport Robin “Chuck” Burke said in a statement. "This is done because we do not want our officers to handle firearms as that is an accident waiting to happen. As a result, all of the travelers in that checkpoint lane either shift to another lane or wait for the police to resolve the situation.

"Either way it inconveniences other travelers and on a busy day at our airport, I can assure you that any delay is not appreciated by fellow travelers.”

Firearms are permitted on board commercial flights but only in checked baggage.

For details about how to travel with firearms, click here.