NORFOLK, Va. — A Pennsylvania man was caught by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with a loaded gun at a Norfolk International Airport checkpoint on Wednesday, June 6, just two days after another individual was caught with a gun at the same airport. It marked the 10th firearm that TSA officers have caught at the airport so far this calendar year, tying the 10 that were caught during all 12 months of 2017—and we aren’t even half-way through 2018.
On Wednesday, TSA officers stopped a Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, resident with a .45 caliber handgun loaded with six bullets. TSA contacted the airport police, who came to the checkpoint, confiscated the gun, questioned the man and cited him on a weapons violation. On Monday, TSA officers stopped a man with a .40 caliber handgun loaded with 13 bullets at the airport.
| Norfolk International Airport | Number of Firearms TSA Stopped at Checkpoints |
| 2018 to date | 10 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2013 | 7 |
As a reminder, individuals who bring weapons to a checkpoint are subject to federal civil penalties of up to $13,000. Even individuals with gun carry permits are not permitted to carry a gun on an aircraft. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,900. The complete list of penalties is posted online.
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-side case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. The gun must be brought to the airline check-in counter to be placed in the belly of the plane with other checked baggage. 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’s website has details on how to properly travel with a firearm. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.