Over 1,500 guns seized at airports in first quarter
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seized more than 1,500 guns at airports during the first quarter of 2024.
That represents more than 16 weapons every day.
It is a comparable number with Q1 data from 2023.
Like the first quarter over the past two years, more than 90% of guns found in carry on bags were loaded.
However, with overall more passengers traveling, the actual rate of seizures per passengers flown is slightly down.
“While it is certainly promising that the rate of passengers bringing firearms to the checkpoint has decreased, one firearm at the checkpoint is too many,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.
“The demand for air travel is as strong as ever and security is always our number one priority.”
Firearms are only allowed to be shipped in hard case checked baggage and declared at check-in.
They are never allowed in carry on bags.
“Every time we discover a firearm at the checkpoint, the security screening process is slowed down for all,” Pekoske added.
In Q1 2024, the TSA screened more than 206 million passengers, up nearly 8% from the 191 million passengers screened last year.
Last year TSA officers seized almost 7,000 firearms.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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