Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Republican from Indiana, has been charged with a weapons violation at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The charges stem from a section of Virginia state law that prohibits possessing or transporting a gun or dangerous weapon into an airport terminal. The violation is classified as a misdemeanor. Spartz, who is seeking re-election in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, is the first Ukrainian-born immigrant to serve in Congress. She has not yet commented on the charges.
This incident is not isolated, as another lawmaker, Rep. Madison Cawthorn, was cited in 2022 for possessing a loaded handgun at an airport security checkpoint in North Carolina. Cawthorn had been stopped twice with a firearm at an airport during his time in office and ultimately lost his primary in 2022.
Spartz’s violation comes as she faces a re-election campaign in a solidly Republican district. Her primary victory in May was challenged by a candidate who criticized her support of Ukraine aid and other issues. The incident adds to a growing list of lawmakers who have faced legal issues related to possessing weapons at airports.
Rebecca Kaplan and Zoë Richards of NBC News are covering the story, with Gary Grumbach contributing to the reporting. Spartz’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the charges.
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