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A California Assembly Member brought a loaded gun to airport security at the Sacramento International Airport.
The Sacramento Sheriff's spokesman said Jim Cooper was stopped by TSA when they found the gun inside his bag at the security checkpoint. Cooper, a retired officer who is running for Sacramento Sheriff, had the gun held by County Sheriff's Office authorities until he returned from his trip. "In addition to potential criminal citations, TSA can issue civil penalties of up to $10,000 for bringing a firearm to the security checkpoint. TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis, but factors considered when determining the civil penalty amount are whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are never permitted in carry-on luggage," according to a TSA spokesperson.
According to state law, no one can have a firearm with them at an airport - although there is an exception for retired peace officers, it's still illegal to bring one on a plane. Several law enforcement officers who spoke to KCRA said individuals with concealed weapon licenses should have a "heightened awareness of gun safety and regulations."