GOP lawmaker charged with bringing gun to Virginia airport

Republican congresswoman charged with bringing gun to airport

Victoria Spartz, a Republican congresswoman from Indiana, is facing weapons violation charges after bringing her handgun into Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

The incident occurred on Friday, June 28, when Spartz was found with a .380 caliber handgun in her carry-on bag during a security check by the Transportation Security Administration at the airport.

According to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Spartz was charged with a weapons violation and issued a citation before proceeding on her international flight to a meeting in Europe.

In a statement released by Spartz’s office, she claimed that the gun was accidentally packed into her luggage without her knowledge. The gun was unloaded, with no magazine or bullets, and was located in a pocket of her suitcase.

Spartz, originally from Ukraine, was elected to represent Indiana’s 5th Congressional District in 2021. She initially announced that she would not seek reelection or pursue any public office after her term but reversed her decision in February and successfully defended her seat against multiple GOP primary challengers in May.

As the primary winner for her district, Spartz is set to compete in the general election scheduled for November, securing her position as the Republican candidate.

This incident has raised questions about airport security protocols and the consequences of unintentionally violating laws regarding the transportation of firearms. It serves as a reminder to all travelers, including public officials, to carefully check their belongings before heading to the airport, to avoid any legal complications.

While Spartz maintains that the incident was a mistake, the situation highlights the importance of gun safety and awareness, especially in high-security environments such as airports. Authorities are expected to investigate the matter further to determine the appropriate course of action.

As this story unfolds, it underscores the need for individuals to be vigilant and responsible when handling firearms and abiding by state and federal regulations. It also serves as a reminder that even public figures are not exempt from the laws that govern society.

More information will likely emerge as the investigation progresses, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the potential repercussions for Spartz. In the meantime, the public awaits further updates on this developing story.