Former Congressman Madison Cawthorn has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous weapon on city property, carrying a fine of $250, after attempting to bring a loaded gun through security at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in April 2022. TSA agents discovered the loaded Staccato C2 weapon in his backpack during a screening, leading to his citation. Though prosecutors had initially requested the gun be permanently confiscated, the judge ruled against the request, allowing Cawthorn to keep the 9 mm handgun. This marks the second time Cawthorn has been stopped with a gun at an airport, with the first instance occurring in 2021; on that occasion, he was found with an unloaded gun and was not charged by airport police.
Cawthorn, who lost his bid for reelection during the 2022 midterm elections, is an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and a proponent of gun rights. He has faced controversy throughout his career, including losing chair positions as a student at Patrick Henry College due to inappropriate behavior and accusations of sexual misconduct. During his time in Congress, he faced an ethics investigation over his alleged involvement in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol Building.
In response to his guilty plea, Cawthorn’s attorney, Missy Owens, emphasized that Cawthorn accepted responsibility for his mistake and remains committed to responsible gun ownership. However, Cawthorn’s repeated attempts to bring guns onto commercial airplanes, coupled with his previous unethical actions, have drawn widespread criticism. Advocates for stronger gun control laws have pointed to Cawthorn’s case as an example of how easily even those with a history of making dangerous choices can still obtain and possess weapons.
The controversy surrounding Cawthorn’s behavior comes at a time when the issue of gun violence remains a pressing concern in the United States. The country has seen two mass shootings in recent weeks, highlighting the need for stricter gun control measures. Advocates have called for background checks, bans on assault weapons, and other measures to limit access to firearms and reduce the likelihood of such tragedies.
As the debate around gun control continues, Cawthorn’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that, even as lawmakers grapple with broader policy changes, there are steps individuals can take to help prevent gun violence. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, being mindful of laws and regulations, and accepting responsibility for one’s actions are crucial components of responsible gun ownership.
