TSA reports decline in airport firearm interceptions for second consecutive year

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TSA reports decline in airport firearm interceptions for second consecutive year

Policy

David Pekoske, Transportation Security Administrator | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Feb 11, 2025

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.

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Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) ranked third nationally with 311 firearms uncovered. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) reported finding a total of 126 guns throughout the year.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) recorded the fourth-highest number nationwide with agents confiscating 247 firearms. Nashville International Airport (BNA) came fifth with TSA officers intercepting 188 guns among Tennessee's total of 319 for the state.

Denver International Airport (DEN) saw a decline in firearm interceptions to 166 from last year's count of 178 but remains significantly higher than figures from a decade ago.

Florida airports collectively intercepted fewer firearms than in previous years—817 compared to last year's figure of 834—with Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) both ranking within the top ten nationally for firearm seizures.

When TSA officers detect a firearm on an X-ray machine, they immediately notify local law enforcement agencies who handle further action according to jurisdictional laws. Violators may face criminal citations or arrests and civil penalties up to $14,950 per violation by TSA standards. Travelers who violate these regulations will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges for up to five years and be subject to enhanced screening on future trips.

Firearms are only allowed on commercial flights if unloaded and placed in locked hard-sided cases as checked baggage after being declared at airline ticket counters. Passengers are encouraged to research gun laws at their destinations before traveling and consult airlines for specific requirements related to firearm transport.