By Steve Neavling
The TSA seized more firearms at airports in 2023 than any year in its 22-year history, and a vast majority were loaded.
TSA officers intercepted 6,737 guns at airport checkpoints across the country, eclipsing last year’s record of 6,542 firearms.
Of those seized, 93% were loaded.
“We are still seeing far too many firearms at TSA checkpoints, and what’s particularly concerning is the amount of them loaded, presenting an unnecessary risk to everyone at the TSA checkpoint,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a news release Wednesday.
Since 2008, the number of intercepted firearms increased each year, with the exception of 2020, the year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, the TSA seized 5,972 firearms.
By contrast, 926 guns were seized in 2008.
The record seizures come as more Americans are carrying firearms.
In the past, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said most of the offenders likely forgot they were in possession of a gun.
“When a firearm is detected at a security checkpoint, TSOs immediately contact local law enforcement, who remove the passenger and the firearm from the checkpoint area,” the TSA said in the news release. “Depending on local laws, the law enforcement officer may arrest or cite the passenger.”
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport led the nation in gun seizures, with 451. That was followed by airports in Dallas Fort Worth (378), Houston (311), and Phoenix (235).
The dirty little secret is that none of these passengers are prosecuted. If fact, that actual number is classified by the TSA.
Not until these individuals are prosecuted will this carelessness stop. Until then — security theater