TSA discovered a record breaking 104 firearms in carry-on bags around the nation from February 5th through the 11th. The previous record of 96 firearms was set in July of 2017. Of the 104 firearms discovered, 87 were loaded and 38 had a round chambered. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,066 per violation per person for prohibited items violations and violations of other TSA regulations. Repeat violations will result in higher penalties. Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure. You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with your firearms in checked baggage. All of the firearms pictured were discovered over the last week. See complete lists below.
Two one-pound canisters of gun powder were discovered in a checked bag at Anchorage (ANC). Gun powder is prohibited from both carry-on and checked bags for obvious reasons.
We don’t know if replica or inert items are live until our explosives professionals take a closer look and eventually open the bag. That takes time and slows down the line. It can even lead to a complete shutdown and evacuation. Real, inert, or anything resembling an explosive item is prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
This inert Civil War Read Parrott Shell was discovered in a checked bag at Dallas Love Field (DAL).
This inert drilling perforation tool was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV).
Clockwise from the top, these prohibited items were discovered in carry-on bags at SFO, VPS, SJU, SFO, SAN, RIC, LAS, JFK, IAH, DEN, DEN, CMH and CLE. While these items are prohibited in carry-on bags, they may be packed in checked baggage. However, familiarize yourself with local laws as concealed weapons and martial arts weapons are illegal in parts of the U.S.
Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds. Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the line is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested. This is a friendly reminder to please leave these items at home. Just because we find a prohibited item on an individual does not mean they had bad intentions; that's for the law enforcement officer to decide. In many cases, people simply forgot they had these items.
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Bob Burns
