TSA Reports Increase in Loaded Guns Found at Security Checkpoints

Agents for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are doing their jobs.

Tasked with protecting the nation’s airports, the TSA intercepted 3,251 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first half of 2023, which ended June 30. The total represents an average of 18 guns per day at TSA checkpoints of which more than 92 percent were loaded.

If that sounds like a disturbing figure, it is. It’s also an increase over last year. Through the first six months of last year, the TSA stopped 3,053 firearms at security checkpoints of which more than 86 percent were loaded.

If anything, idiocy is consistent.

Through the first five days of July, including the peak travel time of July 4th weekend, the TSA intercepted 90 additional firearms bringing the total to 3,341. That’s an average of, you guessed it, 18 per day.

At this rate, the TSA is set to break an unfortunate record. The agency is set to break the dubious mark of most confiscations with 6,562 in one calendar year.

“Anyone traveling with a firearm must follow the rules and pack it properly in checked baggage in addition to declaring it to the airline,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Passengers who bring a firearm to the security checkpoint present a security risk, and there are consequences for doing so. I applaud the work of our Transportation Security Officers for their dedication to our transportation security mission, ensuring these firearms do not get into the secure area of the airport and on-board aircraft.”