Top NM Homeland Security Official Caught Trying to Take a Loaded Gun Through Airport Security

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (TheBlaze/AP) -- Albuquerque airport officials say the second-in-command of New Mexico's domestic security agency was caught trying to bring a loaded gun through a security checkpoint.

State Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Anita Tallarico told Albuquerque Sunport police that she forgot to leave the weapon at home when TSA agents spotted it in her purse in a scanner Friday.

KOB-TV reports Tallarico told TSA officials she was distraught because she was going to a funeral. She was cited for unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon.

Airport police chief Marshall Katz says he's not sure how a person of Tallarico's position could make such a slip-up, but added that it happens frequently nationwide.

"Episodes like this happen on a regular basis nationwide, not just in Albuquerque," Katz explained. "Should they happen, no, but they do."

Tallarico's gun was turned over to city police as evidence.