HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Henrico County officials are urging travelers to think twice before trying to bring a gun through security.
So far in 2024, 18 firearms have been found at RIC checkpoints, which is more than what was found during all of 2023. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), more than 75% of the guns found at RIC in 2024 have been loaded.
During a Tuesday morning press conference, airport and county officials reminded people that anyone who tries to travel with a firearm in their carry-on luggage can face serious consequences — including a fine of up to $15,000.
“They are put in additional screening, we call the police, the police give them a summons, and they’re [going to] miss their flight,” said Chuck Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for RIC.
Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Shannon Taylor, said her office is prosecuting all 18 of the cases from 2024 and hopes people will be more careful going forward.
“The law is in place to protect everyone in this terminal. More importantly, the law is in place to protect all passengers, all of the staff [and] the pilots who are flying the planes,” Taylor said.
If someone is bringing a firearm with them onto a flight, officials ask to have it unloaded inside of a locked hard case in their checked bag. Travelers must also declare their firearm with their airline before flying.
TSA has more information on what you can pack in a carry-on or checked bag here.
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Henrico County officials are urging travelers to think twice before trying to bring a gun through security.
So far in 2024, 18 firearms have been found at RIC checkpoints, which is more than what was found during all of 2023. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), more than 75% of the guns found at RIC in 2024 have been loaded.
During a Tuesday morning press conference, airport and county officials reminded people that anyone who tries to travel with a firearm in their carry-on luggage can face serious consequences — including a fine of up to $15,000.
“They are put in additional screening, we call the police, the police give them a summons, and they’re [going to] miss their flight,” said Chuck Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for RIC.
Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Shannon Taylor, said her office is prosecuting all 18 of the cases from 2024 and hopes people will be more careful going forward.
“The law is in place to protect everyone in this terminal. More importantly, the law is in place to protect all passengers, all of the staff [and] the pilots who are flying the planes,” Taylor said.
If someone is bringing a firearm with them onto a flight, officials ask to have it unloaded inside of a locked hard case in their checked bag. Travelers must also declare their firearm with their airline before flying.
TSA has more information on what you can pack in a carry-on or checked bag here.