Rep. Madison Cawthorn caught bringing loaded gun through airport security

This was the second offense for the congressman.

BySam Sweeney and Amanda Maile
April 26, 2022, 7:06 PM

Madison Cawthorn, a Republican congressman from North Carolina, was caught trying to go through security with a loaded gun at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Tuesday morning, according to multiple sources.

This was the second time the controversial congressman has been stopped trying to bring a weapon through airport security.

TSA officers spotted the gun at the checkpoint and called airport police.

PHOTO:U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn speaks during a rally hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump in Selma, N.C., April 9, 2022.
U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn speaks during a rally hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump in Selma, N.C., April 9, 2022.
Erin Siegal/Reuters, FILE

Cawthorn was issued a citation for possession of a dangerous weapon on city property by Charlotte Mecklenburg police.

He was later released, and the CMPD took possession of the firearm, which is normal procedure, police said.

PHOTO: This photo provided by the Transportation Security Administration shows a 9mm Staccato C2 handgun found in Rep. Madison Cawthorn's carry-on bag at a Charlotte Douglas International Airport security checkpoint, April 26, 2022.
This photo provided by the Transportation Security Administration shows a 9mm Staccato C2 handgun that officials say was found in U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn's carry-on bag at a Charlotte Douglas International Airport security checkpoint, April 26, 2022.
Transportation Security Administration via AP

Individuals can face fines up to $13,000 for a second offense, according to TSA.

The congressman's office did not immediately respond to an ABC News request for comment.

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