Kentucky man cited after TSA checkpoint reveals loaded gun at Huntington Tri-State Airport

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — A Kentucky man with a loaded gun in his carry-on luggage was stopped by the Transportation Security Administration Thursday at the Huntington Tri-State Airport, officers said.

The TSA uncovered a 9mm handgun "loaded with six bullets, including one in the chamber" and alerted police who took possession of the weapon, according to a news release from the agency.

The news release said the Kentuckian was cited and permitted to hand off the gun to an acquaintance who was not flying.

Guns are not permitted past TSA checkpoints and violators face penalties of up to $15,000.

Passengers may travel with guns in checked baggage.

For more information on how to properly travel with a firearm, watch the video attached to this story orclick here.