Airport security checkpoints saw a record-breaking number of firearm detections in the past year, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uncovering 6,737 firearms during the screening process in 2023. This figure represents the highest annual total in the agency’s history, surpassing the previous record of 6,542 set in 2022.
Expressing concern over this alarming trend, TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasized that the agency continues to encounter an excessive number of firearms at checkpoints, with a particularly troubling aspect being the majority of them being loaded. According to a news release issued on Wednesday, approximately 93% of the firearms intercepted in 2023 were found to be loaded, presenting an unnecessary risk to both TSA personnel and fellow travelers.
In the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, TSA officers thwarted 1,665 firearm attempts at security checkpoints, averaging 18 firearms discovered per day during that period. Despite this spike in quarterly incidents, the yearly ratio of firearms found per million passengers slightly decreased from 8.6 in 2022 to 7.8 in 2023, given that over 858 million people were screened during the latter year.
The TSA reinforced its stringent policies regarding firearms, reiterating that firearms are strictly prohibited in carry-ons. Travelers are required to pack their firearms – unloaded – in checked luggage, secured within a locked hard-sided case. Additionally, travelers must declare their firearms, along with any accompanying ammunition and firearm parts, during the check-in process.
Upon detection of a firearm at a security checkpoint, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) promptly engage local law enforcement, who then remove both the passenger and the firearm from the checkpoint area. The subsequent actions taken by law enforcement depend on local laws and may involve arrests or citations.
Travelers found bringing firearms to security checkpoints not only face legal consequences but also encounter civil penalties imposed by the TSA. These civil penalties can be substantial, reaching up to approximately $15,000. The dual consequences aim to serve as a deterrent against the improper transport of firearms through airport security.
The TSA’s commitment to enhancing security measures and addressing the rise in firearm detections underscores the agency’s dedication to passenger safety. The increased focus on preventing loaded firearms from entering secure airport areas reflects the TSA’s ongoing efforts to minimize risks and uphold the highest standards of aviation security.
As the TSA continues its vigilance in screening and addressing security threats, travelers are urged to adhere strictly to the established guidelines to ensure a safe and secure travel experience. By understanding and complying with the regulations surrounding the transport of firearms, passengers contribute to the overall safety of air travel and help maintain the integrity of airport security protocols.