by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 7:30 PM ET, Wed December 6, 2017
A Colorado state representative was arrested Tuesday for bringing a loaded gun to Denver International Airport.
Weld County Republican Rep. Lori Saine had the gun in her handbag, where it was found by an airport security officer, according to the Associated Press.
The police report describing the incident said Saine "knowingly brought the handgun to the checkpoint."
The Kahr Arms 9mm semi-automatic handgun was discovered by a Transportation Security Administration agent as Saine went through an x-ray machine. It had four rounds in its magazine, but none in the chamber.
Associated Press described Saine as a Republican who has advocated for gun rights in the past. It is not clear why she brought the gun to the airport.
She was arrested on suspicion of introducing a firearm into a transportation facility.
After spending the night in jail, Saine appeared in court today. She was later released after Saine's attorney and prosecutors reached an agreement under which she will return to attend any future hearings in the case. In addition, Saine has received permission to travel out of the state.
Saine did not make any comments during the hearing and her lawyer, Randy Corporon, declined to comment.
A regional sales director for a mobile alerts company, Saine was elected in 2012. She represents a largely rural, agricultural area north of Denver that has been the location of significant oil and gas activity, as well as residential development.
Saine's history of being an outspoken defender of gun rights includes battling against a bill to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines in 2013, according to The Denver Post.
In 2017, Saine co-sponsored a bill to repeal a ban on the sale, transfer and possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines. The ban she was seeking to undo was enacted after the 2012 Aurora theater and Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Sandy Hook left 20 students and six teachers dead after a man packing heavy firearms embarked on a shooting spree.
DIA is one of the top airports for gun seizures. The Transportation Security Administration seized 90 firearms at the airport last year, according to The Denver Post.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
