2022 set a new record for TSA finding guns—most of them loaded—in carry-on luggage at airport screening points, and 2023 is off at a pace that may set an even higher record by year’s end.
TSA found over 6,542 weapons, about 10% increase over 2021, and four times as many as it saw a decade ago. About 90% of those seized were loaded. And that despite over $52 million in fines levied over the years for gun violations. There’s a civil fine of $1500 for unloaded and $3000 for loaded weapons found, higher for repeat offenders.
A likely factor in the rise is the number of states that no longer require a permit to carry a concealed weapon, although there has been no change in Federal law for weapons on airplanes.
As of February 9, TSA reported over 700 interceptions this year, for an average of 16 per day.
