NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk woman was stopped by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) on Tuesday for having a loaded handgun in her carry-on baggage.

TSA stopped the woman when her bag triggered the security checkpoint alarm, TSA said. Norfolk Airport Authority Police were alerted and confiscated the firearm.

The handgun was loaded with eight bullets. The Norfolk Airport Authority Police issued the woman a weapon violation summons.

 This handgun was detected by TSA officers in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Norfolk International Airport on June 28. (TSA photo)

Passengers are allowed to travel with firearms as long as they are properly packaged in a checked bag and if they are declared at the airline ticket counter.

TSA detected 23 handguns at Norfolk International Airport checkpoints last year, eighty-six percent of those guns were loaded.

So far this year, 12 guns were detected at checkpoints at ORF.

Year2016201720182019202020212022(As of 6/28/22)
Guns caught at Norfolk Airport checkpoints14102115122312
Firearms caught by TSA officers at Norfolk International Airport checkpoints, 2016 to 2022

The case will now be sent to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.