TSA Week in Review: September 10th - 23rd

TSA discovered 177 firearms in carry-on bags around the nation from September 10th through the 23rd. Of the 177 firearms discovered, 158 were loaded and 52 had a round chambered. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,333 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.  Some airlines policies may differ from TSA’s. We strongly suggest travelers contact their airline for specific firearm and ammunition policies and to check local laws related to the carrying and transport of firearms. All of the firearms pictured were discovered over the last week. See complete lists below.

If packed properly, ammunition can be transported in checked-baggage. The ammunition pictured here was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Kodiak Airport (ADK). You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with ammunition in checked baggage.

From left to right, these prohibited items were discovered in carry-on bags at CRW, DEN, DEN, CRW, BNA, ATL, BNA, DEN, and DEN. 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.

Checkpoint and checked baggage screening acts as a deterrent to keep those with ill will from attempting to cause catastrophic damage to an aircraft. In addition to all of the other prohibited items we find weekly in carry-on bags, our officers also regularly find firearm components, realistic replica firearms, bb and pellet guns, airsoft guns, brass knuckles, ammunition, batons, stun guns, small pocket knives and many other prohibited items too numerous to note.

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

TSA Social Media