TSA intercepted more than 3,200 guns at checkpoints this year: Here’s how many were found in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new report reveals the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) found 3,269 guns at airport checkpoints nationwide just in the first quarter of 2024.
The finding comes after several busy travel periods that were seen across the country this year. In fact, the agency said they screened nearly 3 million travelers on July 7, which broke the record for the number of people screened in a single day.
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However, thousands of passengers were found to be breaking the law this year by bringing firearms in their carry-ons.
The TSA said anytime a gun is detected at an airport, it poses a big threat to the safety of frontline workers and travelers.
At airports across the country, the number of firearms that have been discovered in the first half of the year is about even with last year. However, the passenger volume has gone up 7%.
Just six months into 2024, the TSA reported they intercepted more than 3,000 firearms at security checkpoints nationwide, marking an average of 19 firearms detected each day; more than 94% were loaded.
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As for Nashville International Airport, officials have come across a total of 99 guns so far this year — 93 of which were loaded, according to a TSA spokesperson.
Officials said it’s important to note that the TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. In fact, if you bring a gun to a security checkpoint, law enforcement will safely unload it and take possession of it.
“During a period of record-breaking travel volumes, our officers are working hard to keep our transportation systems secure and the traveling public safe, and any time they detect a firearm, there is a real safety concern for frontline employees and travelers,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “If you carry a firearm, you are required to place it unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case in your checked bag and declare it to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter. Do not bring it to the checkpoint. It is costly and delays you and everyone else traveling in the same lane with you.”
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Offenders may face civil penalties from the TSA, with fines as high as $14,950 or more for repeat offenders.
For more information on how to properly travel with a firearm, visit the Transporting Firearms and Ammunition page on TSA.gov.
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