HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - The TSA discovered a loaded revolver in a passenger's carry-on luggage at Richmond International Airport (RIC) Thursday.
TSA Spokesman Kawika Riley said the incident happened around 6 a.m. when TSA screeners found a .38 caliber Rossi revolver loaded with five rounds.
The gun and bullets were in a ticketed passenger James Edward's carry-on luggage.[PHOTO: Revolver found at RIC]
As a result, the TSA called Capital Region Airport Police.
Officials said the 68-year-old Richmond man was issued a summons for Carrying A Weapon In An Airport Terminal and allowed to leave on different flight.
Officials said the incident did not affect airport operations.
Eser Tufekci, who flew out of RIC Friday, said he was relieved TSA officials found the gun.
"I'm glad they found it, but I hope that they do their job seriously and they catch all the people, there are no missed guns," said Tufekci.
Mike Hollingsworth, a frequent flyer, said he feels safe traveling.
"I've actually travelled quite extensively in and out of the country and I think TSA does a great job with keeping our travelers safe and making sure everyone is well protected," said Hollingsworth.
TSA officials said they found more guns at airports in 2011 than 2010. In fact, 1,238 guns were confiscated in 2011. Screeners found 1,123 guns in 2010 and 976 guns in 2009.
Additionally, a Hampton Roads man brought a gun with loaded magazine rounds in his carry-on luggage to the airport in November of 2011.[STORY: Gun, loaded magazines found in luggage at RIC]
Officials remind passengers that they cannot travel with weapons in their carry-on baggage. However, some weapons are allowed inside checked bags.
You can find more information about the rules on the TSA homepage at www.tsa.gov.
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