California Assemblymember Jim Cooper was stopped by airport security after a loaded gun was found inside one of his possessions on Thursday.

California Assemblymember Jim Cooper was stopped by airport security after a loaded gun was found inside one of his possessions on Thursday.

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

California Assemblymember Jim Cooper was stopped by airport security after a loaded gun was found inside one of his possessions on Thursday.

California Assemblymember Jim Cooper was stopped by airport security after a loaded gun was found inside one of his possessions on Thursday.

Cooper was going through the security checkpoint at Sacramento International Airport when the gun was spotted in a security X-ray machine, according to Sacramento sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Rodney Grassmann.

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office confirmed the gun was found by TSA inside a purse tucked inside Cooper's bag.

The gun was turned over to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and was held until Cooper returned from his trip, according to the sheriff's office.

KCRA 3 Investigates was at the airport on Saturday when Cooper landed. The Democrat, representing the 9th Assembly District, which encompasses portions of Sacramento and San Joaquin counties, declined to comment, but later told KCRA 3 that he was able to retrieve his gun.

Cooper is a retired law enforcement officer who is now running for Sacramento sheriff.

For context, California Penal Code 171.5 states, "It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess, within any sterile area of an airport" .... "any firearm," among a list of other weapons. There is an exception to the penal code for active and retired law enforcement officers that allows "a retired peace officer with authorization to carry concealed weapons," which applies to Cooper, according to Sgt. Grassmann. But according to TSA, it would still be illegal for retired peace officers to bring a gun on the plane.

Here is the relevant section:

Grassmann told KCRA 3 there are secure storage lockers at every sheriff's facility, including the airport, where peace officers can safely stow their weapons.

Several law enforcement officers we spoke to said people with concealed weapon licenses should have a heightened awareness of gun safety and regulations.

"In addition to potential criminal citations, TSA can issue civil penalties of up to $10,000 for bringing a firearm to the security checkpoint. TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis, but factors considered when determining the civil penalty amount are whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are never permitted in carry-on luggage."

When asked how often people with guns are stopped at airport security checkpoints, Grassman said, "once every three to four weeks."

For guidelines for law enforcement who are flying armed, click here.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.