CHARLOTTE — The trial for former North Carolina representative Madison Cawthorn that was scheduled to take place Friday was continued and will take place in May, Channel 9′s Joe Bruno has learned in court.
Cawthorn is awaiting trial after police said he took a loaded gun to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in April 2022.
The Transportation Security Administration said they found the gun in his luggage. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Cawthorn was cited for possession of a dangerous weapon on city property, which is a misdemeanor.
Cawthorn made an appearance in person Friday for the scheduled court date, but the charging officer in the case is away from work on leave. Since the charging officer wasn’t available, the case will be on hold until May 5.
A photo obtained by Channel 9 shows that a loaded Staccato C2 was recovered at the airport. Officers confirmed the gun was Cawthorn’s and said he cooperated with police.
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Channel 9′s Joe Bruno spoke with Cawthorn after Friday’s hearing, and he reiterated a point he made in April 2022 following the citation.
“I’ve said from the beginning, it was just a mistake, poor planning. All my bags were packed for several different trips, and I just grabbed my carry-on and went on to TSA,” Cawthorn said.
Channel 9 also asked Cawthorn about a claim made by his successor, Chuck Edwards, that official constituent casework wasn’t transferred. Cawthorn denies that his office didn’t transfer the paperwork, and he said he thinks it was an opportunity for a political hit.
“I am really confused by that statement, he had full cooperation with my executive staff,” Cawthorn said.
He has since moved to Florida, but Cawthorn says he’s not ruling out another run for office in the future.
“I definitely have a plan to return to politics one day. I am not planning to do it any time soon but I love this country too much to give up on it,” Cawthorn told Channel 9. “One regret I have is starting so young. There’s a lot you give up going into politics, you can’t do things you want to do. You can’t travel much.”
Cawthorn added that he’s backing Donald Trump in 2024 but wants Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to run for president in 2028.
(WATCH BELOW: CMPD: Rep. Madison Cawthorn cited for having gun at Charlotte Douglas Airport)
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