Sammy Kershaw was stopped by airport security last month in Lafayette, La. for having a loaded handgun.

Absolute Publicity, which issued a statement regarding the incident, reports the country music singer’s bag was flagged by TSA.

“It was early, I was half-awake and clearly not thinking straight,” Kershaw said in a statement. “I’ve sang songs about heartbreak and hard times but not about forgetting to check my carry-on for a loaded firearm. That’s a new one!”

Kershaw was fined $5,000 fine. He could’ve been fined as much as $10,000 and received jail time.

“I guess it’s safe to say I won’t be packing heat to my next show,” the statement continued. ”Let this be your friendly PSA: Check your bags, check ‘em twice. Let’s all stay safe out there.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.