Crime
TSA intercepts record number of firearms at airports in 2022: 18 a day
Last year, the TSA intercepted 6,542 guns in carry-on luggage at 262 different airport checkpoints throughout the country, equalling roughly 18 guns found per day
February 22, 2023 7:04am
Updated: February 22, 2023 7:04am
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a record-breaking number of firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2022, according to the federal security agency.
Last year, the TSA intercepted 6,542 guns in carry-on luggage at 262 different airport checkpoints throughout the country, equaling roughly 18 firearms that were recovered per day.
The number of weapons intercepted at airport checkpoints has increased every year since 2010. In 2021, there were 5,972 guns intercepted.
TSA data shows that most guns have been intercepted at bigger airports in areas that have more gun-friendly policies, according to TSA administrator David Pekoske.
The top five airports with the most TSA firearm discoveries include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which tops the list, followed by Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Nashville International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Other airports that made it to the top ten list include Orlando, Denver, Austin, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.
However, the individuals caught with the weapons are far from terrorists or plane hijackers. Instead, most of them claim to have forgotten they were carrying a gun.
Pekoske warned, however, that he isn’t sure if most people are telling the truth when they claim they forgot they were carrying a gun when they go to the airport.
When TSA officials believe to have found a weapon on the X-ray machine, they stop the belt and immediately call the local police to investigate the matter further. A police officer then removed the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and question the traveler.
Repercussions vary depending on local or state laws. At times the individual with the gun could be arrested, have the weapon confiscated, or face a fine. Other times, unloaded guns can be placed in check bags if they follow proper procedure.
“TSA reminds passengers to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or not at all,” the agency said.
