Pima County Sheriff accused of bringing loaded gun to airport

Incident adds to controversy surrounding Sheriff Chris Nanos' handling of Nancy Guthrie case

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:42am

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing new scrutiny after a local resident reported that the sheriff allegedly brought a loaded firearm through a TSA checkpoint at the Tucson International Airport, raising concerns about security protocols and the sheriff's judgment amid an ongoing controversy over his handling of the high-profile Nancy Guthrie case.

Why it matters

The alleged airport incident adds to the growing criticism of Sheriff Nanos' leadership, which has been under intense public and media scrutiny due to his department's investigation and prosecution of the Nancy Guthrie case. This latest development further undermines public trust in the sheriff's office and raises questions about the sheriff's adherence to laws and security procedures that he is sworn to uphold.

The details

According to the report, a Tucson resident who was going through the TSA checkpoint at the Tucson International Airport on April 2nd noticed that Sheriff Nanos was carrying a loaded handgun as he passed through security. The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, immediately reported the incident to the TSA, which has launched an investigation into the matter.

  • The alleged incident occurred on April 2, 2026 at the Tucson International Airport.

The players

Chris Nanos

The embattled Pima County Sheriff who is facing growing criticism over his handling of the Nancy Guthrie case.

Nancy Guthrie

The high-profile case that has drawn intense scrutiny to Sheriff Nanos' leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing a loaded firearm through a TSA checkpoint is a serious breach of protocol and raises major security concerns, especially for a law enforcement official who should be setting an example.”

— Tucson resident

What’s next

The TSA has launched a full investigation into the incident and is expected to release its findings in the coming weeks. Sheriff Nanos has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.

The takeaway

This latest incident further erodes public trust in Sheriff Nanos' leadership and judgment, adding to the growing calls for his resignation or removal amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his department's handling of the high-profile Nancy Guthrie case.