Former North Carolina GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn pleaded guilty to taking a loaded handgun through the Transportation Security Agency's checkpoint at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, his attorney said Friday.
Cawthorn, who was expected to start trial for the third-degree misdemeanor charge on Friday, was fined $250. The firearm will be returned to him, his attorney, Missy Owens, told CNN. The charge was possession of a dangerous weapon on city property.
ILLINOIS FEDERAL APPEALS JUDGE REVERSES LOWER COURT'S HALT ON WEAPONS BAN
“Mr. Cawthorn accepted responsibility for this mistake. Law enforcement noted his cooperative attitude at every step," Owens said. "He chose to resolve this case in a manner that would ensure his uninterrupted right to possess a firearm. He remains staunchly committed to responsible gun ownership."
The incident occurred last year. Airport security detected a handgun in Cawthorn's carry-on luggage. It was the second gun-related incident at an airport for Cawthorn, who also brought an empty handgun to an airport in February 2021. However, he claimed the first incident was a mistake and was never charged.
Prosecutors wanted Cawthorn's gun permanently confiscated over last year's incident, but Mecklenburg County District Court Judge Cecilia Oseguera said she did not see a reason for the confiscation or anything in the charge that would require him to lose the 9 mm handgun.
"I'm very happy and thankful that the judge gave a really clear ruling that sides with the law," Cawthorn told reporters.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Cawthorn was first elected to Congress in 2020 to represent North Carolina's 10th Congressional District, but he lost his bid for reelection during the 2022 midterm elections. Cawthorn was seen as a controversial congressman who was a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Cawthorn.
During his term in office, he faced an ethics investigation and was rebuked for claiming he was invited to an orgy in the nation's capital. He also claimed to have witnessed some lawmakers snorting cocaine.