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In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported finding 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints across the United States. This discovery was made despite federal laws prohibiting passengers from bringing loaded or unloaded firearms through airport security. Of these firearms, 94% were loaded and found in carry-on luggage, personal belongings, on passengers, or even hidden in baby strollers.
The TSA screened over 904 million passengers last year, equating to approximately 18.2 firearms discovered daily and about 7.4 per million passengers screened. The total number of firearms detected has been rising since at least 2008, except for a dip in 2020 due to reduced travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the figure for 2024 shows a slight decrease from the previous year's total of 6,737.
The agency's "Prepare, Pack, Declare" campaign aims to educate travelers on safely transporting firearms and may be contributing to this decrease. Additionally, TSA's social media posts showcasing confiscated items could also play a role in raising awareness.
