In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the United States. This marks a slight decrease from the 6,737 firearms found in 2023. According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, "One firearm at a checkpoint is too many." He emphasized that firearms pose safety risks and can slow down operations.
Throughout the year, TSA screened over 904 million travelers, detecting approximately 7.4 firearms per million passengers—a small reduction from the previous year's rate of 7.8 per million. The agency continues its 'Prepare, Pack, Declare' campaign to educate travelers on proper firearm transport procedures.
Georgia's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) led the nation with 440 firearms discovered in carry-on bags out of a total of 498 statewide discoveries in Georgia airports. Texas followed closely with significant numbers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where TSA officers intercepted 378 firearms, and Dallas Love Field (DAL) with 125 confiscations.