Moira Warsburton and David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Madison Cawthorn, a Republican U.S. Representative, was cited for having a firearm at an airport. According to local media reports, this adds to a series of controversies that have been building up for the lawmaker’s first term ahead of a contested primary.

U.S. Transportation Security Administration said that they had discovered a firearm at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, on Tuesday morning. They declined to give details.

WSOC-TV Charlotte reported the story, citing anonymous sources. The Charlotte police department and Cawthorn did not immediately respond to requests for comment. TSA could not confirm whether or not a gun was taken.

Cawthorn is trying to retain his North Carolina seat in May’s Republican primary. He was stopped by security in Asheville in February 2021 because he tried to bring a firearm through the airport. However, he hasn’t been charged with any criminal offense. However, he is facing criminal charges of driving without a valid license, and multiple speeding tickets.

Cawthorn has been endorsed by Donald Trump but angered Republicans for calling Volodymyr Zilenskiy, the Ukrainian President, a “thug” as well as alleging that Cawthorn had seen cocaine being used in Washington and was even invited to attend sex parties.

Chuck Edwards is the state senator leading seven candidates seeking to replace Cawthorn. U.S. endorsed Edwards Senator Thom Tillis. No candidate will receive 30% if there is no runoff. This seat is located in the western mountains of the state and considered safe Republican.