NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped a Virginia Beach man with a loaded gun Wednesday at Norfolk International Airport.

According to a press release, the gun was found in the man’s carry-on bag after the X-ray unit alerted TSA at the security checkpoint. TSA officers found a .45 caliber handgun loaded with seven bullets, in the passenger’s bag.

This handgun was detected by TSA officers at a Norfolk International Airport security checkpoint on April 6. (TSA photo)

Police removed the gun and the man was arrested on state charges. He will also be facing a civil penalty for bringing the gun through a security checkpoint.

Firearms caught by TSA officers at Norfolk International Airport checkpoints, 2016 to 2023

Year20162017201820192020202120222023As of 4/5/23
Guns caught at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) checkpoints 14 10 21 15 12 23 27 8

As of Apr. 5, TSA officers at Norfolk International Airport have caught eight guns at security checkpoints. The total amount of guns caught last year was 27.