RICHMOND, Va. — A Newport News man was arrested at Richmond International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officers found a gun and five bullets in his backpack Monday morning.
This handgun was detected by TSA officers at the Richmond International Airport checkpoint on Monday, June 27. The owner of the gun said he hid it from children by putting it in his backpack. (TSA photo)
“The traveler told TSA officials that he had the gun in his carry-on bag because he had guests with children visiting him this past weekend. He told officials that he did not want the children to have access to the gun, so he hid it inside his backpack,” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said. “TSA officers immediately contacted the Richmond International Airport Police, which responded, confiscated the gun and arrested the man.”
The TSA wanted to remind travelers to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport.
Travelers are allowed to bring guns onto planes as long as they follow the rules:
You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.
- When traveling, comply with the laws concerning posession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
- Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
- Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock.
- Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
- Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
- Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
