Alerts Sign-up
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Newark Liberty International Airport has identified seven firearms at security checkpoints this year, suggesting that the airport could surpass last year's record of 21 firearms. TSA's Federal Security Director for New Jersey, Thomas Carter, urged travelers to avoid bringing firearms to checkpoints, calling the increase a concerning trend. "We have seen a lot of handguns showing up at our security checkpoints so far this year. This marked the seventh firearm that our officers have prevented from being carried onto a flight," Carter stated. He further remarked, "At this rate, we will surpass last year’s record-setting number of guns intercepted at the checkpoints. We would prefer to see fewer travelers bringing guns to our checkpoints than set a new record."
The TSA reaffirmed that firearms in carry-on luggage are not permitted. Carter emphasized the importance of being aware of the contents of carry-on baggage and reminded travelers of the federal penalties, which can amount up to $15,000. Travelers with TSA PreCheck will lose their privileges if found carrying a firearm.
In addition to the TSA's efforts at Newark Liberty, national statistics indicate that the agency intercepted 6,678 firearms at checkpoints across the United States in 2024. This represents a slight decrease from 6,737 in 2023. Despite this minor drop, TSA continues to stress that firearms should only be transported in checked baggage. Guns must be unloaded, stored in a locked, hard-sided case, and declared to the airline. They are then transported in the cargo hold.
