NORFOLK, Va. (WAVE) — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials have addressed the record number of weapons found at Norfolk International Airport.
A press conference is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
TSA officials say they’ve seen an increase in the number of weapons travelers are carrying into security checkpoints at ORF. Last year alone, the TSA seized 27 firearms at checkpoints in Norfolk, a record in TSA’s 20-year history.
The press conference included an overview of what happens when a traveler brings a weapon to a checkpoint; latest weapon statistics; fines; and how it causes delays for other travelers.
The TSA also conducted a demonstration on how to properly transport a firearm for flight.
See the full text of the press conference below.
A typical first offense for bringing a loaded handgun into a security checkpoint costs $4,100 and can go as high as $13,669 depending on extenuating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed carry permits, because even though a person may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow firearms to be brought onto the plane. In this case, the gun was not loaded.
Passengers are allowed to carry firearms in their checked baggage if they are properly packed and declared at the ticket counter for carriage in the aircraft cabin. Weapons are categorically not allowed to be carried on airplanes.
Verified firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. The TSA has detailed information on how to properly travel with guns and ammunition site.
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