The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revealed shocking data that reveal how more than 5700 firearms at airport security checkpoints have been confiscated in 2021, the highest ever in a single year.
It means around 16 weapons every single day are being found at security checkpoints with about 85 per cent of them loaded. The previous yearly record was 4,400 in 2019.
Those passengers who are found with firearms at checkpoints face fines of up to $13,910. For repeat offenders, the fines can be even higher.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said security personnel had confiscated more than 5,700 firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2021
The TSA has confiscated an average of 16 guns a day at airports across the U.S. this year
85% of the weapons found are loaded. The previous yearly record was about 4,400 in 2019
In some cases local law enforcement confiscate the weapons at checkpoints and can arrests those in possession of a firearm.
Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston airport saw the highest number of confiscated firearms.
'It's an all time high,' TSA Administrator David Pekoske told reporters during a Monday briefing. 'The reason? I think there's just more firearm carriage in the country. That's the best answer I can give you,' he said.
Airline passengers are allowed to transport an unloaded firearm on an aircraft, but only in checked baggage.
The high figure reflects an overall increase in firearms being carried by Americans
Airline passengers can transport unloaded firearms, but only in checked bags
A suicide vest found in a checked bag. Officers discovered it was inactive and belonged to an explosives instructor
'It's a pretty costly mistake to make,' Pekoske said noting that the TSA will 'always proceed with a civil penalty action that will cost thousands of dollars after we complete an investigation'.
The TSA will also refers the issue to law enforcement if local or state laws are broken.
'We see a strengthening in the airline travel industry toward pre-pandemic levels and our goal is to ensure you as the passenger have a safe and secure flight,' Pekoske noted.
We work hard with our airport and airline partners to achieve this by ensuring screening operations meet the upcoming demand. I also want to thank our Transportation Security Officers across the country who, each and every day, meet the travel volume demand and help keep airport screening lanes moving to ensure millions of passengers arrive at their destinations safely.'
In November, an accidental shooting at a security checkpoint at Atlanta International Airport sparked chaos.
A TSA officer saw a gun during screening and passenger then lunged into the bag to grab it, at which point it fired.
The incident saw air traffic into Atlanta halted while the Atlanta Police investigated.
People were on the ground and seen scrambling for cover in a video posted to social media after a gun accidentally went off at Atlanta Airport in November
The image above shows scores of passengers who quickly evacuated the terminal after rumors spread of an active shooter
Toy guns, knives and other assorted property are displayed at JFK airport
Lines of airplane passengers proceed through the TSA security checkpoint at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado.(Pictured in 2019)
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