National Security
Should Congress Members Be Allowed to Carry Guns Through Airport Security?
Should Congress Members Be Allowed to Carry Guns Through Airport Security?
Here’s The Scoop
Firebrand Rep. Victoria Spartz found herself in hot water last week after being slapped with weapons charges at Washington Dulles International Airport.
While traveling to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe meeting, Spartz inadvertently carried an empty handgun in her suitcase. According to her office, the firearm had no magazine or bullets and remained unnoticed in her luggage until she passed through airport security.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, responsible for the charge, cited a Virginia law that prohibits carrying firearms in airports. Despite the citation, Spartz continued her journey to Europe.
This incident underscores the ongoing debate over the scrutiny public officials face compared to ordinary citizens.
Spartz, no stranger to controversy, has made headlines before.
Earlier this year, she reversed her decision to retire and announced her bid to defend her 5th Congressional District seat, which led to a crowded primary field. Despite the competition, she emerged victorious in a primary battle against eight other Republicans.
Serving since 2021, Spartz has established herself as a staunch advocate for conservative values, aligning with the right wing of her party. Notably, she voted against a $61 billion aid package to Ukraine, despite being the first Ukrainian-born member of Congress herself. This decision highlights her commitment to principled fiscal conservatism over emotional appeals.
Her case is not an isolated one. Other members of Congress have faced similar charges, including former Rep. Madison Cawthorn, who also encountered legal trouble for attempting to bring a loaded gun through airport security last year.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
John
July 5, 2024 at 7:25 am
What makes them above the law – if they can carry then all lawful citizens should be able to carry -Change the law or live under it.
Denise
July 5, 2024 at 10:40 am
exactly!
Kirk Augustin
July 5, 2024 at 6:07 pm
There can never be a law preventing people from bringing guns with them in luggage, if they have the proper permits.
Frank Eckert
July 10, 2024 at 8:56 am
Why a gun, why not a grenade. This is a joke. No one should need a handgun.
bruce
July 5, 2024 at 8:08 am
Hey there is no need to carry on a weapon by politicians, they usually travel with security personnel who are trained and licensed to serve. The average citizen in this country can’t carry(thank God)so why should they be the exception.
Eleanor Santo
July 5, 2024 at 8:17 am
No, they should have to abide by the same laws they force on us .
Kirk Augustin
July 5, 2024 at 6:12 pm
Wrong. How else is a person who is traveling and needs the firearm for their job or protection, supposed to defend themselves? That is no legal way to prevent people from having firearms in their luggage. That is no different than shipping one in the mail.
Mike Diggs
July 5, 2024 at 8:45 am
EVERYONE should be able to carry guns EVERYWHERE. All gun control laws are unconstitutional.
Rachel
July 5, 2024 at 11:02 am
If we can’t carry a gun through an airport, they should not be able to either. They need to follow the same laws as the rest of us. I also think a lot of the people who forgot they have a gun in their luggage are stupid. When I pack for a trip or go anywhere that I have to go through security like a courthouse, I make sure I have no weapons in my purse or luggage or any other banned items. (Sometimes I carry pocket knives, utility tools, a taser or pepper spray besides a handgun) When in doubt, I will call the airport or go on-line to see what items are banned before a trip.
Kirk Augustin
July 5, 2024 at 6:14 pm
Wrong. In luggage is NOT on their person. It is in the cargo hold and inaccessible. Obviously police carry right on the plane, so this law is illegal.
Diane Ellis
July 5, 2024 at 11:36 am
Some of those people are nuts.
Jerry C.
July 5, 2024 at 12:05 pm
I get a picture in my mind of batsh!t-crazy MTG in an airport, with a gun, when one of “The Squad” walks by…
Scotty
July 5, 2024 at 1:39 pm
Everyone should be able to carry everywhere. I call that equity.
Kirk Augustin
July 5, 2024 at 6:06 pm
As long as they have a permit to carry, it is illegal to prevent them from traveling with a firearm in luggage. No one has the authority to dictate what can be safely in your luggage.
WEG
July 11, 2024 at 10:03 am
A carry permit in one state is not necessarily transferable to Be legal in another.
Phil F
July 6, 2024 at 5:02 pm
Any American should be allowed to carry a gun or ammunition onto an airplane as long as the gun and ammunition are separated. The gun in a carry on and ammunition in checked baggage or vice-versa.
Congress people are subject the same laws as ordinary Americans or should be.
Alton R Clark
July 10, 2024 at 7:24 am
Why do they need to tell us how she voted on anything, it has nothing to do with guns.