Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz faces charges for bringing gun through airport security

Indiana Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz has been charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor for bringing an unloaded firearm through airport security at Washington Dulles International Airport, as reported by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on Monday. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected an unloaded .380-caliber handgun in Spartz's carry-on during passenger security screening. Spartz, 45, was on her way to a meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Europe when the incident occurred. Her office stated that she mistakenly carried the firearm in the pocket of her suitcase. According to TSA regulations, passengers are allowed to travel with firearms, but they must be declared with the airline, packed in a hard-sided case in checked baggage, and are prohibited at security checkpoints. Spartz's spokesperson clarified that the handgun was empty, with no magazine or bullets, and that she was issued a citation before proceeding on her international flight. The charge against Spartz carries a potential penalty of up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted. Spartz, a two-term congresswoman from central Indiana, won a competitive primary in May after initially stating in 2023 that she would not seek reelection. The incident at the airport has raised concerns about firearms in airport terminals, as it is a misdemeanor offense in Virginia to possess or transport guns in such locations. While the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed the charges against Spartz, the TSA did not directly confirm her involvement but acknowledged the detection of the firearm during screening. In response to the charges, Spartz's office emphasized that the handgun was unintentionally carried and that she was fully cooperative with authorities. The congresswoman's accidental violation of airport security regulations has sparked discussions about the importance of adhering to strict firearm transportation guidelines to ensure passenger safety and compliance with the law.