RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – This year, TSA officers at Richmond International Airport have intercepted several guns belonging to passengers attempting to board an aircraft.

The latest attempt marks the 22nd time that officials have prevented a weapon from passing through security.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 10. A man was caught attempting to bring a loaded gun onto an airplane in a carry-on bag.

The man was caught with the firearm as he entered the security checkpoint. The gun was loaded with 10 bullets and was taken by Richmond Airport police, who confiscated the weapon and charged the man with possession of a firearm.

“This was the 22nd firearm our officers have intercepted at our checkpoints so far this year, and we are close to reaching the most firearms our officers have detected in a single year, four months before the deadline,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s federal airport security director. “The most firearms our team has intercepted in a single year occurred in 2022, when 24 firearms were intercepted. While I am proud of our officers and their continued vigilance, I am disappointed that gun owners continue to bring their firearms to our checkpoints. TSA has been in existence for nearly 23 years, and yet individuals continue to attempt to travel with their firearms – most of which are loaded. Responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times, and they know not to bring them to a checkpoint.”

In addition to facing criminal charges from police, the man also faces a hefty fine for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. The fine for carrying weapons can be as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.

According to TSA guidelines, passengers are only allowed to carry firearms in checked baggage.

Click here for more information on how to properly travel with a firearm.

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