TSA at SEA discovers 100th firearm of the year in carry-on luggage

SEATTLE - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that TSA officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) have intercepted the 100th firearm of the year in carry-on luggage during routine X-ray screening. Hours later, TSA officers discovered the 101st firearm of 2024. 

The 100th firearm of the year was discovered Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. TSA officers detected a loaded .40 caliber Springfield XD9 pistol in the carry-on bag of a male passenger ticketed for travel to Kahului International Airport on the Hawaiian island of Maui. 

Later the same day, TSA officers discovered another firearm around 9 p.m. This was the 101st firearm of the year intercepted by TSA at SEA. The 9mm Markarov P64 semi-automatic pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition was found in the carry-on bag of a male passenger ticketed for travel to the Yakima Air Terminal in Yakima, Wash. There is no indication the two firearm incidents are related.

Below is a summary of TSA firearm discoveries at SEA since 2018. Data for 2024 is current as of Monday, October 28, 2024.

“The fact that TSA officers at SEA have discovered 101 firearms so far this year is startling, but it is also a testament to the commitment and dedication of the TSA workforce as they have diligently carried out their important security screening duties,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Greg Hawko. “At this same point last year, TSA officers at SEA had discovered 97 firearms in carry-on luggage. This year, we have already exceeded that mark. I ask all travelers to commit to doing better by being aware of the contents of your carry-on luggage and packing firearms properly for travel on a commercial aircraft.” 

More than 5,600 firearms have been detected so far this year at airport security checkpoints nationwide. Earlier this month, TSA announced that the number of firearm finds across the country this year is down from the same point last year. Ninety-three percent of the firearms discovered nationwide have been loaded. At SEA in 2024, 82% of the firearms discovered in carry-on luggage have been loaded. 

When a TSA officer sees the image of a firearm on the X-ray screen, TSA immediately notifies the Port of Seattle Police Department, which responds to the security checkpoint. A law enforcement officer removes the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and makes contact with the traveler. What happens to the firearm and the traveler is up to the discretion of the airport law enforcement agency. 

In addition to potential criminal citations for bringing a firearm in carry-on luggage, TSA can levy a civil penalty against the traveler of up to $14,950. 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 a period of time. 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 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 state 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 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. PDT.