Local prosecutors have dropped a weapons charge against U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) after she accidentally brought a firearm to Dulles International Airport earlier this year. The case was dismissed following Spartz’s completion of a gun safety course.
Spartz, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, was initially charged with carrying a weapon in an airport terminal, a misdemeanor which has now been dropped, after an unloaded firearm was found in her carry-on bag by airport security, as The Hill reports.
On June 28, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials detected a .380 caliber handgun in Spartz’s luggage during routine screening at Dulles Airport in Virginia. The weapon was not loaded, and Spartz continued with her scheduled travel to Europe after the incident, according to her office.
The incident led to Spartz being charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. The misdemeanor stems from Virginia law, which makes it illegal to carry firearms inside airport terminals.
Despite the legal ramifications, Spartz’s office stressed that it was an honest mistake. After completing a mandatory gun safety course, local prosecutors opted to drop the charge, entering a nolle prosequi on the case docket ahead of her scheduled court appearance. "It’s an automatic charge under Virginia law regardless of the circumstance," Spartz’s office explained, noting that prosecutors chose not to proceed with the case after reviewing the facts.
Following the discovery of the firearm, Spartz acknowledged the mistake and expressed her cooperation with authorities. She maintained that the gun had been left in her bag accidentally and emphasized her commitment to addressing the situation responsibly.
The congresswoman did not face any delays in her travel plans and departed for Europe as scheduled after the June 28 screening. The TSA's handling of the matter remained consistent with its broader efforts to ensure airport security, particularly in cases where firearms are discovered during screenings.
Spartz, who was first elected to Congress in 2020, represents Indiana’s 5th Congressional District. Her office did not indicate whether the incident would affect her future political plans or upcoming re-election campaign.
According to the TSA, firearm discoveries in airport screenings are not uncommon. During the first half of this year, the agency found 3,269 firearms in travelers’ luggage across the country. This figure is nearly identical to the number of firearms discovered during the same period in the previous year, despite an increase in overall passenger traffic.
The TSA requires that firearms be packed in checked luggage, unloaded, and properly declared to airline personnel. Carrying a firearm in a carry-on bag is a violation of federal regulations and can result in civil penalties, in addition to criminal charges under state or local laws. Spartz’s case serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of firearm regulations at airports and the potential legal consequences for violations, even when the firearm is unloaded.
Prosecutors chose not to pursue the case further after Spartz completed a gun safety training program. The successful completion of the course allowed her to avoid potential jail time and fines associated with the misdemeanor charge.
The decision to drop the charge was made before Spartz’s scheduled arraignment, providing a resolution to the legal issue. Her office expressed relief at the outcome and reiterated that the incident was a mistake.
The congresswoman continues to serve her district, with the issue behind her. No further legal actions are expected in connection with the incident.
