TSA officers in Los Angeles area discovering firearms in carry-on luggage at accelerated pace during month of May

LOS ANGELES - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have discovered 11 firearms during routine X-ray screening of travelers’ carry-on luggage at airports in the Los Angeles area during the first half of May. This compares to three firearm discoveries during the first half of May last year.

The most recent firearm find was Wednesday around 2:20 p.m. at Long Beach Airport (LGB) when TSA officers discovered a loaded Colt .45 firearm with seven rounds of ammunition in the carry-on bag of a male passenger ticketed for travel to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. 

On Tuesday around 1 p.m., TSA officers at LGB discovered a loaded .357 caliber Glock firearm in a male traveler’s carry-on along with nine rounds of ammunition. In both instances, TSA notified Long Beach Police Department officers who responded to the checkpoint and cited the travelers on a state charges. Each passenger received enhanced security screening before being allowed to continue on their travels.

Also on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., TSA officers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) discovered a loaded 9mm Sig Sauer P320 pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition in the carry-on bag of a traveler ticketed for travel to Paris, France. Los Angeles World Airports Police responded to the security checkpoint and arrested the traveler on a state charge. The individual received enhanced screening and was allowed to continue to his flight.

“The surge in firearm discoveries in carry-on luggage in the Los Angeles area this month is troubling. Travelers must pay more attention to the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the airport,” said TSA Federal Security Director in Los Angeles Jason Pantages. “I am grateful that TSA officers are preventing firearms and other security threats from making it into the cabin of an aircraft. Please do your part to stop this trend of firearms coming to the security checkpoint. One way to do that is to always start by packing an empty bag.”

When a TSA officer sees the image of a firearm on the X-ray screen, officers with the airport law enforcement agency are notified. They respond to the security checkpoint, remove the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and make contact with the traveler. What happens to the firearm and the travelers is up to the discretion of the airport law enforcement agency. There is no indication that any of the firearm discoveries are linked.

So far in 2024, TSA officers at LAX, LGB, Ontario International Airport (ONT), John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) have detected 54 firearms in carry-on luggage. This compares to 51 at the same time last year.

Below is a breakdown of TSA firearm discoveries at the five local airports since January 1, 2024 and in the month of May so far:

Nationally, TSA has discovered more than 2,300 firearms in carry-on luggage at airports nationwide since the beginning of 2024. 

Earlier today, TSA announced that this summer travel season is expected to be busiest ever. With increased travel volumes, TSA is asking passengers to be vigilant and not bring firearms or other prohibited items to the airport. Doing so slows down the screening process for all travelers.

In addition to potential criminal citations for bringing a firearm in carry-on luggage, TSA can levy a civil penalty of up to $14,950 against the traveler. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage. 

Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked for at least five years. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations. They will also receive enhanced security screening during their travels

Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Any type of replica firearm is also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.

At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and other laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.

TSA has additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition. A full summary of TSA’s civil penalties for prohibited items is also available.

TSA reminds passengers to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or not at all.

Travelers can use the “Can I Bring” feature on the TSA website or on the TSA mobile app, myTSA. Travelers can also Tweet or Message “@AskTSA” if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance daily from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST.