PoliticsSecret Serviceelection 2012Politics

Secret Service Gun Mistakenly Left In Restroom Of Mitt Romney Charter Plane

OOPS: Secret Service Mistakenly Leaves Gun On Romney Charter Plane
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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks at the American Legion National Convention, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A gun belonging to a Secret Service agent traveling with Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney was mistakenly left in the restroom of the candidate's charter plane Wednesday afternoon, CBS News reports.

Romney used the charter plane to travel from the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida to Indianapolis, Indiana for a campaign event.

CBS News reports the weapon was found by a CBS News/National Journal reporter, who alerted a flight attendant about the gun. A member of the Secret Service who was on board the plane reportedly retrieved the gun from the restroom.

Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan told the AP the agency is aware of the incident and that the matter will be handled internally. No details have been released on who misplaced the weapon.

"We take the care and custody of our equipment, especially firearms, very seriously," Donovan said in a statement to CBS News/National Journal. "We will deal with this matter internally and in an appropriate manner."

Romney has had Secret Service protection since late January. His wife Ann had Secret Service agents assigned to her on August 26, just two days before her husband secured the Republican presidential nomination.

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Before You Go

Mitt Romney's Greatest Hits
With A Little Help From My Friends (Joe Cocker)(01 of11)
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(May 28, 2012) -- Despite a resurgence of Donald Trump's birther claims, Romney refused to repudiate the billionaire, who has been helping with his 2012 campaign efforts. "You know, I don't agree with all the people who support me ... I need to get 50.1 percent or more and I'm appreciative to have the help of a lot of good people," Romney said. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Getty File)
Who Let The Dogs Out (Baha Men) (02 of11)
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(April 16, 2012) -- In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, Romney discussed the political fallout over strapping his dog Seamus to a car roof. He admits that he probably would not do it again. (Handout) (credit:Handout )
It's The End Of The World As We Know It (R.E.M.)(03 of11)
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2012) -- Speaking before the Newspaper Association of America, Romney attacked Barack Obama on his health record, claiming the president "has taken a series of steps that end Medicare as we know it." (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
For The Love Of Money (The O'Jays) (04 of11)
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NEW YORK, N.Y. (March 14, 2012) -- Romney became testy on Fox News while discussing his appeal to lower-income voters. On the same day, Occupy Wall Street protesters staged a demonstration outside Mitt's Waldorf Astoria hotel fundraiser. (Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
People Are Strange (The Doors) (05 of11)
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PASCAGOULA, Miss. (March 9, 2012) -- While on the trail in Alabama and Mississippi, Romney got in touch with his Southern side, learning how to say "y'all" and liking his grits. With those new experiences in hand, he admitted that "strange things are happening to me." (Photo: AP/Evan Vucci) (credit:AP )
Pink Cadillac (Bruce Springsteen)(06 of11)
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DETROIT, Mich. (Feb. 24, 2012) -- While speaking before the Detroit Economic Club at Ford Field, Romney listed not two, not three, but four American-made cars that he and his wife, Ann, owned. Among the vehicles: "a couple of Cadillacs." (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
It's The Hard-Knock Life (Annie & The Orphans) (07 of11)
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TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2012) -- In an interview with CNN, Romney noted that he is "not concerned about the very poor," citing the social safety net for that segment of the populace. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
America The Beautiful(08 of11)
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THE VILLAGES, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2012) -- On the eve of Florida's primary, Romney led his supporters in a singing of the patriotic song. (Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Successful (Drake, Lil Wayne) (09 of11)
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 19, 2012) -- During CNN's GOP debate, Romney refused to commit to disclosing his tax returns, offering no apologies for his success. (Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Bye Bye Bye ('N Sync)(10 of11)
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NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) -- In a speech about insurance options, Romney tells audience members, "I like being able to fire people who provide services to me." (Photo:AP/Charles Dharapak) (credit:AP )
Don't Know Why (Norah Jones)(11 of11)
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PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Oct. 27, 2011) -- Back in June 2011, Romney said humans are somewhat tied to climate change. By October, he had reversed course, saying "We don't know what causes climate change." (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty File)
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