The founder of the California-based Tea Party Patriots, last week was arrested at LaGuardia Airport after revealing an unlicensed firearm to security officials.

Port Authority police said Mark Meckler was trying to board a Detroit-bound Delta Airlines flight when he alerted a Transportation Security Administration agent that he had the unlicensed weapon in a locked box.

Meckler, 49, showed the agent a valid California permit for the 9mm Glock, but the license does not allow him to own the gun in New York, authorities said.

Port Authority police said Meckler was also carrying two clips for the weapon that contained 19 rounds of ammunition.

Meckler told authorities he was carrying the gun because he has received threats – and he did not research New York City laws before arriving in the Big Apple.

Meckler was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and released without bail at his arraignment at Queens Criminal Court.

If convicted, Meckler could face up to 15 years in prison.