Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-San Bernardino) was detained by police Wednesday at Ontario International Airport after attempting to bring a loaded gun onto an airplane, authorities said.

Donnelly, on his way to Sacramento for this year's legislative session, was going through a security checkpoint when Transportation Security Administration officers discovered a loaded handgun in his carry-on luggage, TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said. They also found an ammunition magazine with an additional five rounds packed separately.

According to a release from airport police, Donnelly was detained for questioning and later released. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Donnelly is the lone tea party member of the Assembly and a fierce advocate for gun rights. His office did not return calls for comment.

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-- Michael J. Mishak in Sacramento

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Photo: Tim Donnelly, the only tea party member of the Assembly, in his Sacramento office in a file photo. Credit: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times