U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Noblesville) faces a citation after bringing a handgun through airport security Friday.
The Transportation Security Administration said Spartz was cited on a weapons charge at the Washington Dulles International Airport after the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police confiscated an unloaded .380 caliber handgun.
The firearm was found in the pocket of her carry-on suitcase.
Spartz’s office said in a statement that she carried it through security on accident.
“She did not realize (it) was in the pocket of her suitcase,” her office said.
Firearms are only allowed if they are declared in checked baggage, unloaded and packed in a hard-sided locked case, according to TSA officials. This applies to all travelers, even those with concealed carry permits or who have PreCheck.
“Rep. Spartz was issued a citation and proceeded on her international flight,” the statement said.
Spartz was stopped on her way to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Bucharest, Romania. The 31st session runs through Wednesday.
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Civil penalties for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000, according to the TSA.
There have been 10 firearms found so far this year at Dulles airport. Nationally, the TSA apprehended more than 6,200 loaded firearms last year.
