January 17th 2024.
In 2023, the Transportation Security Administration released a startling statistic that has caused concern among travelers and officials alike. According to the report, a total of 6,737 firearms were discovered at airport security checkpoints last year, setting a new record for the highest number of weapons found in a single year. This number surpassed the previous year's record of 6,542 firearms stopped at checkpoints.
The TSA has strict regulations in place regarding firearms and ammunition on flights. All weapons must be screened before passengers are allowed to enter the airport and board their flights. Despite these measures, 93% of the firearms recovered at checkpoints were found to be loaded, posing a significant risk to everyone in the vicinity.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed concern about the high number of firearms still being found at checkpoints, stating that it is unnecessary and puts everyone's safety at risk. He also reiterated the agency's policies, reminding passengers that firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage. Passengers are only allowed to travel with an unloaded firearm if it is properly packed in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline at the check-in counter.
The data collected by the TSA revealed that these firearms were discovered across 265 different airports. The top 10 airports with the most firearms recovered were Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with 451 seizures, followed by Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with 378 seizures, and Intercontinental Airport of Houston with 311 seizures. Other airports on the list included Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Nashville International Airport, and Denver International Airport.
When a firearm is discovered at a security checkpoint, agents immediately contact local law enforcement and remove the gun and the passenger from the area. Depending on the jurisdiction, the passenger may face arrest and citations from local authorities. In addition, the TSA may impose penalties on the passenger, including fines of up to approximately $15,000 and the revocation of TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years. Enhanced screening may also be conducted to ensure no other threats are present.
Overall, the TSA is urging travelers to adhere to their policies and leave their firearms and ammunition at home or properly pack them in checked baggage. Any violation of these regulations not only endangers the safety of other passengers and TSA agents but also carries severe consequences for the individual responsible.
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