Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations raised by a local resident regarding an incident at a Tucson-area airport, where TSA agents reportedly stopped him at a security checkpoint with a loaded, undeclared firearm in his carry-on bag
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations raised by a local
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations raised by a local resident regarding an incident at a Tucson-area airport, where TSA agents reportedly stopped him at a security checkpoint with a loaded, undeclared firearm in his carry-on bag.
The incident occurred as an independent investigation into claims of bullying and retaliation found that the “preponderance of the evidence” indicated Nanos used his office for political purposes during a closely contested 2024 race against former PCSD Lt. Heather Lappin, Fox News reported.
During that campaign, a resident identified as Cory Stephens addressed the county board of supervisors at a public meeting on Nov. 12, 2024, alleging that the sheriff did not face the same consequences as an ordinary citizen would under similar circumstances.
“If a private citizen had encountered that at the airport, the consequences would have been greater,” Stephens, a longtime Tucson resident and president of the Conservative Coalition of America, told Fox News Digital late last week.
Stephens said she became aware of the airport incident through local reports and raised concerns about the lack of public attention, prompting her to address the issue during public comment at a county board of supervisors meeting.
Nanos is also under increased scrutiny in connection with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance
Nanos is also under increased scrutiny in connection with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie. While that case remains unresolved, critics have pointed to additional controversies involving the sheriff, including lawsuits filed by current and former deputies and allegations that he previously provided inaccurate statements under oath regarding past disciplinary matters.
“We as citizens want answers,” Stephens said. “The safety of our community is at stake.”
“As a law enforcement officer, he should know the TSA rules, how to declare a weapon, secure it and follow the same rules as everyone else,” Stephens added. TSA agents and officers at the airport found five rounds in the handgun’s magazine along with another in the chamber, Fox reported.
The outlet noted further that Nanos missed his flight, was allowed to stow the weapon in his private vehicle, then catch a later flight.
James Gagliano, a retired FBI agent and Fox News contributor, said he found the incident surprising, noting that as a law enforcement officer, the sheriff could have taken steps to transport the firearm legally when traveling. “You declare yourself as a law enforcement officer ahead of time,” he said.
The protocol requires confirmation between the TSA and the individual’s agency, but generally permits active
The protocol requires confirmation between the TSA and the individual’s agency, but generally permits active-duty personnel to fly with their weapons. In this instance, after the X-ray technician discovered the weapon in Lane 1 at the B Concourse of Tucson International Airport, the first responding officer recused himself due to a perceived conflict of interest, as stated in the incident report.
According to the incident report, a second officer escorted Chris Nanos to a private screening area and asked where the firearm was located in his bag. Nanos indicated it was in a zippered pocket. The officer recovered the weapon and found five rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber, according to the report, Fox noted.
Meanwhile, Savannah returned to her Today show post on Monday, saying “it is good to be home” as she opened the program. “Good morning, welcome to TODAY on this Monday morning,” Savannah said at the start of the show. “We are so glad you started your week with us, and it is good to be home.”
“Yes, it is good to have you back at home,” Craig Melvin said. “Well here we go, ready or not, let’s do the news,” Savannah responded. “So good to have you back,” Craig added.
