Once again, TSA says, they’ve set a record for seizures of guns at airport security points, topping last year’s previous record, although there’s a small asterisk that lets 2022 keep part of the crown.
The 2023 total was 6,737 firearms, 93% of them loaded. That’s 7.8 weapons per million passengers, compared to 6,542 in 2022. But, because of increased passenger volume, the 2022 figure for guns per million passengers was higher, at 8.6 per million travelers.
Firearms can travel by plane, but must be packed unloaded in hard-side locked cases, and must be declared when the bag is checked in. Civil penalties levied by TSA for violations can run up to $15,000. Depending on local rules, violators may also be arrested by local law enforcement.
