Newport News, Va. – A Newport News man was cited by airport police on a weapons charge after TSA officers stopped him from bringing a loaded semi-automatic handgun past the security checkpoint at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport checkpoint Tuesday morning.
The .38 caliber handgun, which was loaded with nine rounds, including one in the chamber, was found in the man’s carry-on bag as he passed through the security checkpoint.
The TSA officer who was staffing the checkpoint X-ray machine detected the handgun inside the traveler’s carry-on bag as it passed along the conveyor belt.
TSA officers immediately contacted the Peninsula Airport Commission Department of Public Safety, which polices the airport. Police confiscated the firearm and cited the man on a state charge.
There was no impact to airport operations.
TSA officers screen an average of 850 passengers per day at PHF Airport.
