Loaded gun found at Columbia airport checkpoint

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Federal officials say a loaded gun has been found at the security checkpoint at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

The Transportation Security Administration said one of its officers spotted the gun in a passenger’s carry-on bag around 3 p.m. Monday.

The passenger was cited and released. Federal agents did not release the person’s name.

The TSA says it found more than 1,300 guns during security checks across the country last year. Guns are not allowed in carry-on bags, whether they are loaded or not.