Madison Cawthorn detained temporarily after being spotted with loaded pistol at TSA screening

Madison Cawthorn, a Republican Representative from North Carolina, was cited for carrying a loaded 9mm handgun through a security checkpoint at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. According to reports, he was halted with a firearm at an airport for the second time since taking office last year.

In his brief time in Congress, Cawthorn has established a reputation for being a divisive legislator. He has been at the center of several disputes in recent months, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

According to a police report, the event occurred just before 9 a.m., when the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was alerted that Transportation Security Administration officials had discovered a pistol, bullets, and a magazine inside Cawthorn's baggage at a security checkpoint.


Cawthorn was cited with a ticket for violating gun laws

Cawthorn was issued a token instead of just being charged for keeping a deadly weapon on public property, which is a violation. According to authorities, the airport, managed and administered by Charlotte City, has multiple signs indicating "no dangerous weapons allowed." Cawthorn was helpful and told officers that the gun belonged to him.

Violations of gun laws can result in fines of up to $13,900. It's unclear whether the agency will pursue a penalty against Cawthorn.

This was his second time carrying a weapon on a flight

Last year, Cawthorn was stopped from bringing a loaded 9 mm handgun on board a flight out of Asheville, North Carolina. Also, civil penalties for frequently repeating violations are pretty higher.

Cawthorn was allowed to leave on Tuesday, and the weapon was moved to police custody, as is a usual protocol. Unless further felony charges or extenuating circumstances, a citation rather than an arrest is a standard procedure, he is scheduled to appear in court next month on misdemeanor charges of driving while his license is revoked.