A record number of firearms were found at airport security checkpoints nationwide last year — more than 4,400, a 5% increase over the previous year, according to Transportation Security Administration officials.
TSA says the confiscated firearms represent the most they have ever found in the agency’s 18-year history. Most of them were loaded, too -- 87%.
Nearly 60 firearms were discovered at checkpoints at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. TSA officials say the increase in passengers illegally carrying firearms in airports is “deeply troubling.”
“There is a proper say to travel safely with firearms,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “First and foremost, it should be unloaded. Then it should be packed in a hard-sided case, taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared and checked.”
TSA officials say of the firearms found at 278 U.S. airport checkpoints, the most were found at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta (323), followed by Dallas-Fort Worth (217); Denver International (140); George Bush Intercontinental in Houston (138); and Phoenix Sky Harbor International (132).
