Rep. Victoria Spartz charged for ‘accidentally’ carrying empty handgun through an airport

Firebrand Rep. Victoria Spartz was hit with weapons charges last week over an incident at Washington Dulles International Airport, which is technically located in Virginia, authorities said.

Spartz (R-Ind.) was caught with an empty handgun in her suitcase Friday, her team explained to The Post, calling it an accident. The charge against her was confirmed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

“Last Friday, Rep. Spartz accidentally carried an empty handgun in her suitcase with no magazine or bullets, which she did not realize was in the pocket of her suitcase while going through security at Dulles airport,” her office said in a statement.

“Spartz was issued a citation and proceeded on her international flight to the OSCE PA meeting in Europe.”

Victoria Spartz reversed her retirement plans earlier this year. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe began its 31st annual session over the weekend.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority referred The Post to a Virginia law that bars the carrying of firearms in airports.

Ukraine-born Spartz caused a stir earlier this year when she reversed plans to retire and announced that she would seek to defend her 5th Congressional District seat, which includes the northern suburbs of Indianapolis.

By that point, well over half a dozen Republicans had filed to run for her seat. Last year, when she initially unveiled plans to retire, Spartz said being “a working mom is tough.”

Back in May of this year, Spartz bested eight Republican foes in a primary.

She has earned a reputation for treading with the right flank of her party and despite being the first Ukrainian-born member of Congress, she voted against the most recent $61 billion tranche of aid the lower chamber green-lit back in April.

Dulles International Airport is located just outside of Washington, DC. AFP via Getty Images

Spartz was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021.

Other members of Congress have faced charges stemming from airport snafus in the past.

Last year, for example, former Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) pleaded not guilty for attempting to bring a loaded gun through airport security in 2022.