(LOUISVILLE, April 20th, 2004) -- Screeners at Louisville International Airport detained an Indiana Congressman after finding a loaded handgun in his briefcase.
A spokesman for Rep. John Hostettler, a Republican representing southwestern Indiana's 8th district, says the congressman simply forgot the loaded 9 millimeter Glock was in his briefcase. A Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman says its workers followed procedure when they found the weapon during the screening process. The TSA provides airport security workers at Louisville International.
Around 10:45 am Tuesday, Ann Davis, TSA spokeswoman, says screeners notified airport police they found a weapon. Airport officers then notified the FBI. After being detained briefly for questioning, Rep. Hostettler was allowed to continue to a flight for Washington, D.C. Davis could not confirm if Hostettler was the detained passenger, but his staff in Washington, D.C. office did confirm that to WAVE 3.
Davis said Hostettler did not receive any special treatment because of his seat in Congress. "The TSA treats all passengers the same," said Davis. "TSA did our job and contacted the proper law enforcement. Now it is up to local authorities to apply the appropriate charges," Davis said.
While there's no word yet whether Hostettler will face any charges, Davis did explain that any charges filed would have to come from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
A spokesman for the US Marshal's Service in Louisville explained that federal charges are possible only after a person crosses the threshold of the plane.
