Throughout 2022 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has found a record number of firearms on persons and in carry-on luggage. TSA attributes the rise in firearm discoveries to an increase in passenger travel and more thorough security screenings. It is currently working to improve screening technology and plans to stop more prohibited substances from passing through security checkpoints in the future.

Record year

From January through November, TSA discovered a total of 6,301 firearms at security checkpoints. By year's end, it is anticipated that the administration will have found over 6,600 firearms. This number is the highest on record and well surpasses last year's number of 4,432. However, last year the aviation industry carried far fewer passengers than most years, meaning that a decrease in firearms found at security checkpoints was probable.

TSA Security Checkpoint
Photo: Denver International Airport

Passengers caught attempting to carry a firearm onto an aircraft may receive up to a $14,950 fine and lose possession of the firearm. The fine may be lower than this as situations vary. Exact penalties are determined on a case-by-case basis, largely swayed by the believed intent of the firearm carrier. The reason for the increase in stopped firearms is not entirely apparent; however, TSA claims that recent advancements in the passenger screening process and enhanced diligence are the leading factors contributing to the rise in discovered firearms.

The Administrator of the TSA, David Pekoske, shared his appreciation for TSA security staff and their diligence which has helped prevent thousands of firearms from passing through security this year. Pekoske stated,

"I applaud the work of our Transportation Security Officers who do an excellent job of preventing firearms from getting into the secure area of the airport, and onboard aircraft,

"Firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags at the checkpoint and onboard aircraft. When a passenger brings a firearm in their carry-on bag, this consumes significant security resources and poses a potential threat to transportation security, in addition to being very costly for the passenger."

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Varying situations

While each situation is unique, a significant portion of firearms found by TSA are on persons who regularly carry firearms and forgot to leave it at home. Situations like this are similar to the many instances where people who regularly carry pocket knives forget to leave them at home. In the US, it is legal for a law-abiding citizen to carry a concealed firearm. Exact laws concerning firearm carry will vary between states and municipalities. Regardless of state and city regulations, firearms may not be carried past a security checkpoint.

An airport Security Checkpoint sign.
Photo: Thaspol Sangsee/Shutterstock

There is a legal way to transport firearms on airplanes in the US. This requires a person to transport the firearm in a locked and marked case which must be checked upon arrival at the airport. These firearms are stored in the cargo hold and are inaccessible during the flight. While many situations involving passengers attempting to carry a firearm through a security checkpoint may be purely accidental, TSA has likely managed to stop many individuals with malicious intent.

What do you think of this record? Let us know in the comment section.

Source: WFIN