LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Rep. John Hostettler of Indiana was briefly detained Tuesday when airport security workers found a handgun in his briefcase as he was going through a checkpoint on a trip back to Washington.
The five-term Republican congressman was preparing to board a US Airways flight at Louisville International Airport when the gun was found, said his press secretary Michael Jahr.
''Apparently the congressman had left a handgun in his briefcase and forgot it was in there and took it to the security checkpoint, where it was detected and they detained him briefly to make sure he had no ill intent as they should do,'' Jahr said.
Ann Davis, a spokeswoman for the federal Transportation Security Administration, said that screeners at the airport intercepted a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun from a passenger's carry-on luggage about 10:45 a.m. EDT, but would not confirm that Hostettler was involved.
She said that the screeners seized the gun and notified airport police.
''The FBI was contacted as well,'' Davis said. ''It is my understanding that the FBI detained the individual and interviewed him regarding this incident.''
Airport spokeswoman Rande Swann said Hostettler was issued a citation by airport police for a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed deadly weapon and released. The charge has a maximum sentence of a year jail and a $500 fine.
The U.S. attorney's office in Louisville declined to comment on whether Hostettler could face more serious charges.
One person stopped for having a gun in carry-on luggage at an airport checkpoint in Louisville was indicted in August 2002 by a federal grand jury on a charge that carried a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Information was not immediately available Tuesday on the status of that case.
Davis said the federal security director at the airport would review the case and recommend whether to seek a fine against Hostettler.
Jahr said Hostettler is an avid sportsman and has a permit for the weapon. He said Hostettler later boarded another flight to Washington.
''The congressman recognizes that this is a very careless thing to do and that the transportation safety personnel did their job and did it well,'' Jahr said.
He said Hostettler would hold a conference call with reporters later Tuesday to discuss the incident.
No delays were reported at the airport, Davis said.
Hostettler, of Wadesville, has represented the 8th congressional district in southwestern Indiana since 1995 and is seeking re-election this year to a sixth term.
Hostettler has typically won the district by narrow margins and is expected to face another competitive race this fall.
Terry Burns, communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party, said he believed Hostettler's action raised questions about his judgment.
''I mean why is a congressman packing a weapon on an airplane, especially in this day and age?'' Burns said. ''I think it's kind of a disturbing development.''
Luke Messer, executive director of the state Republican Party, defended Hostettler.
''Congressman Hostettler is a licensed gun owner with a permit for a handgun, and I don't think anybody believes there is any ill-intent here,'' he said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
