TSA Found Record-Setting Number of Guns at Airports in 2018

TSA Found Record-Setting Number of Guns at Airports in 2018

TSA agents found 4,239 total firearms in carry-ons in 2018, an average of 81.6 firearms per week, or 11.6 per day. Of the firearms found, 3,656 (86.15 percent) were loaded—another record—and 1,432 (33.74 percent) of the total had a round chambered.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Feb 11, 2019

The Transportation Security Administration marked what it called a “milestone year” with the release of its “TSA Year in Review: A Record Setting 2018” on Thursday. Among other statistics, the agency reported that a record-setting number of firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at TSA checkpoints across the country last year.

TSA agents found 4,239 total firearms in carry-ons in 2018, an average of 81.6 firearms per week, or 11.6 per day. Of the firearms found, 3,656 (86.15 percent) were loaded—another record—and 1,432 (33.74 percent) of the total had a round chambered.

The most guns discovered in one month, a record-setting 32, were found in August at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Overall, firearm discoveries increased more than 7 percent (282 more) from 2017’s total of 3,957.

The following are the top 10 airports for firearm discoveries in 2018:

  1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): 298 – an increase of 53 compared to 2017 (253 loaded)
  2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 219 (193 loaded)
  3. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): 129 (120 loaded)
  4. Denver International Airport (DEN): 126 (95 loaded)
  5. Orlando International Airport (MCO): 123 (112 loaded)
  6. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 117 – a decrease of 25 firearms compared to 2017 (115 loaded)
  7. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 96 (80 loaded)
  8. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): 93 (76 loaded)
  9. Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL): 89 (83 loaded)
  10. Nashville International Airport (BNA): 86 (80 loaded)

Laws about firearm possession vary by state and locality. The TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,333 per violation, per person for violations regarding prohibited items and other TSA regulations, and repeat violations will lead to higher penalties.

The agency recommends that travelers learn the state and local firearm laws for each point of travel. TSA’s rules for packing firearms in checked baggage can be found here.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.