NM security official tries to take gun on flight

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.

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