TSA Agents Intercept THOUSANDS Of Guns – What’s Happening?

TSA agents intercepted over 6,600 firearms at airport checkpoints in 2024, with an alarming 94% of them loaded.

At a Glance

  • TSA detected 6,678 guns at airport checkpoints nationwide in 2024
  • New York City area airports saw a record 41 firearms in carry-on bags
  • Nearly 94% of confiscated firearms were loaded
  • Firearms are prohibited in carry-on luggage and must be properly declared and checked
  • Penalties for undeclared firearms can include fines or arrests

Record-Breaking Year for Firearm Interceptions

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faced a challenging year in 2024, intercepting a staggering 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints across the United States. This number, while slightly down from the 6,737 guns found in 2023, represents a significant security concern for air travelers and TSA officials alike. The discovery of these weapons occurred at 277 airports nationwide, with the vast majority – approximately 94% – of the firearms being loaded at the time of discovery.

The TSA screened over 904 million people in 2024, resulting in an average of 7.4 firearms intercepted per million passengers. This statistic underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring traveler compliance with firearm transportation regulations. TSA officials continue to emphasize that firearms are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage, regardless of whether an individual possesses a concealed weapon permit.

New York City’s major airports – LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International – collectively reported 41 instances of firearms discovered in carry-on bags. This record-breaking number highlights the growing security concerns in one of the nation’s busiest air travel hubs. Newark Liberty, in particular, set an alarming record with 21 guns detected at its security checkpoints.

In contrast, JFK Airport reported a decrease in firearm detections, from 15 in 2023 to 10 in 2024. John Essig commented on this positive trend, stating, “We saw a decrease in the number of firearms that people brought to our checkpoints from 15 guns in 2023 to 10 in 2024. We see that as a positive sign that more travelers who want to transport their firearms are doing so properly.”

Consequences and Proper Procedures

When TSA agents discover an undeclared firearm at a checkpoint, local law enforcement is immediately contacted to remove both the individual and the weapon. The consequences for attempting to bring a firearm through airport security can be severe, potentially resulting in fines or arrests, depending on state laws and the discretion of law enforcement agencies.

“If individuals who carry a firearm intend to travel, we remind them that the firearm must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, declared to the airline at the check-in counter and transported in checked baggage,” the TSA said in a statement.