Scotty McCreery has learned a tough lesson after receiving a misdemeanor violation for attempting to carry a loaded gun through airport security.
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Raleigh's News and Observer says the incident took place at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on July 13. Inside McCreery's backpack was a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun. There were also two boxes of ammo containing 63 bullets.
The American Idol winner holds a permit to carry a concealed weapon and takes gun safety very seriously. McCreery stated that he had visited a firing range earlier in the week and forgot to remove the gun from his backpack before heading to the airport. In a statement to People, McCreery says he has learned his lesson.
"I have been a concealed carry permit holder for a while now after being robbed at gunpoint in 2014, and I take gun safety very seriously," McCreery shared. "While in between tour dates last week, I went to go target shooting with a friend a few days before an early flight out of my hometown Raleigh-Durham airport," McCreery says of the incident.
"Unfortunately, I did not realize that I left my pistol in my backpack until the TSA found it during the security X-ray screening and rightfully confiscated it. I had my concealed carry permit on me so once they had checked everything out, they then released me to catch the next available flight. Great to know our airport security force is on the job. I have learned a lesson that I won't forget."
READ MORE: Scotty McCreery Surprised by Randy Travis Before Playing Iconic Texas Venue
McCreery will play the Grand Ole Opry on July 26 and will continue touring throughout the fall. "5 More Minutes" is his newest single and a moving ode to his late grandfather.
