Indiana Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz Charged with Weapons Violation at Dulles Airport

In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Republican from Indiana, is facing charges for a weapons violation following an alleged incident at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed the charges against Spartz on Friday, marking a significant development in the case.

Firearm Detection and Charges

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) revealed that officers detected a .380 caliber firearm during passenger security screening at the airport. The weapon was found to be unloaded and in Spartz's carry-on bag. It is important to note that possessing or transporting guns in airport terminals in Virginia is a misdemeanor offense, shedding light on the seriousness of the situation.

Official Responses

Despite the charges, Spartz's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CBS News. The TSA did not confirm Spartz's involvement in the incident but provided key details about the firearm detection, adding to the complexity of the unfolding situation.

Spartz, who managed to fend off eight Republican challengers to secure her primary victory in May, has been in the political spotlight since her election in 2020. Notably, in 2023, she announced that she would not seek reelection, only to reverse her decision later on. This background adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding events.