From Staff Reports 

A police report confirms that U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-Hendersonville, was questioned about trying to go through security with a gun at Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on July 30.

“For us, it’s all about accountability,” David Wheeler, who is with “Fire Madison Cawthorn,” a group hoping to oust the congressman, was quoted as saying by News 13.

The TV station’s report added, “Firearms are not allowed at the Asheville Regional Airport unless first secured and declared properly for travel.” 

Meanwhile, Cawthorn’s office responded to News 13’s request for an interview with the following statement instead:

“Five months ago, while boarding a flight, Rep. Cawthorn erroneously stowed a firearm in his carry-on (that often doubles as a range bag) instead of his checked bag. The firearm was secured, and unchambered. Rep. Cawthorn endeavors to always follow TSA guidelines, and quickly rectified this situation before boarding his flight.”

News 13 reported, “According to a TSA spokesperson, there is a protocol when a gun is found. First, TSA must stop the machine, contact a supervisor, then call law enforcement.

“TSA then takes down the information and later issues a civil penalty.

“Each penalty varies depending on the situation. Typically, it’s around a $2,000 fine for an unloaded firearm, and around $4,000 for a loaded gun.

“The TSA spokesperson declined to tell News 13 whether Cawthorn was actually fined,” News 13 noted.

To that end, Wheeler told the TV station. “Fine the guy so he doesn’t do it again.” (On Feb. 13, TSA reportedly found a Glock 9 mm handgun in Cawthorn’s carry-on bag.)

News 13 added, “So far this year, eight firearms were reported at the Asheville Regional Airport checkpoint, but no criminal charges were filed in any of the cases.”

In response to the Daily Planet’s request for responses on several recent news stories and analyses concerning Cawthorn, Micah Bock, the congressman’s communications director, emailed the newspaper on Aug. 9 the following statement:

“No further comment on those stories than the public comments we have already made! Thanks!”

As for a story on Aug. 6 by News 13 headlined “WCU political expert weighs in on Cawthorn’s mask comments at school board meeting,” Bock emailed the Daily Planet on Aug. 9:

“Rep. Cawthorn campaigned on the promise of fighting for the values of NC-11. His decision to advocate for individual liberty, in the classroom, is in keeping with that promise.“