Firearms detected in carry-ons doubles at Virginia airport last year

Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) detected more guns at checkpoints at Virginia's Norfolk International Airport in 2015 than the previous two years combined.

The agency detected 16 firearms in carry-on bags last year, compared with seven in both 2013 and 2014. Norfolk International Airport screens approximately 1.8 million travelers annually.

Passengers with firearms are required to have permits and must follow a set of guidelines to legally travel with their weapons. Anyone without the proper permits or who does not follow the guidelines will be subject to civil penalties under the TSA, as well as criminal charges.

“Firearm-possession laws vary by state and locality,” Jeffrey Horowitz, TSA assistant federal security director at Norfolk International Airport, said. “TSA advises travelers to familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure to ensure that they have the proper gun permits for the states that they are traveling to and from. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport.”