Former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour has apologised for ‘absentmindedness’ after being arrested at Jackson Airport for traveling with a loaded firearm.
Transport Security Association agents discovered a .38 caliber revolver in his carry-on bag as he was trying to board a flight for Washington DC.
Barbour said the gun was confiscated and he was then allowed to board his flight.
"This was absentmindedness and nobody’s fault but mine. They did exactly what they should have done, which was to treat me like anybody else," Barbour said.
"Next time, I’ll be more observant about getting stuff out of my briefcase."
The 70-year old former governor, who is a strong advocate for gun ownership, is likely to be fined with penalties starting at $3,920, according to the TSA website.
He served as 63rd state governor from 2004 to 2012 and is a former Republican National Committee chairman.
