Powhatan man tries to bring gun on flight at Richmond airport, TSA say it is the 11th gun so far this year

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped a Powhatan man from bringing a gun onto a flight at the Richmond International Airport last week.

On Thursday, April 25, a Powhatan man was cited by the police after TSA officers prevented him from bringing a gun onto a flight.

According to TSA, the gun was a 9mm handgun that was loaded with 13 bullets.

The gun was detected by TSA officials when the man entered the security checkpoint, resulting in the weapon being confiscated by Richmond Airport Police, according to TSA.

The man was cited on a weapons charge and could face a financial civil penalty as high as $15,000.

Authorities said this is the fourth gun caught by TSA officers at the airport in a month, making this the 11th so far for the year.

“Today we are not even through four months of 2024 and already we have intercepted 11 firearms,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “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.”

Passengers are only allowed to carry firearms in checked baggage, not carry-on baggage. TSA has more details on how to properly travel with a firearm on their website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.