DETROIT – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers intercepted a firearm at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) on Friday, the ninth detected in 30 days at the airport.
Including the firearm detected Friday, two have been stopped so far in the month of November. TSA officers also detected seven firearms at DTW checkpoints between the dates of Oct. 9 and Oct. 30. A total of 55 firearms have been stopped at DTW this year.
In all firearm detections at DTW, the Wayne County Airport Police were alerted, responded to the checkpoint, and confiscated the weapon.
“As we look ahead to the busy holiday travel season, we urge passengers to start with an empty bag and ensure they aren’t inadvertently bringing any prohibited items to the checkpoint,” TSA Michigan Federal Security Director Reggie Stephens said. “We commend our officers, who are diligent in carrying out their important security duties and are committed to keeping the traveling public safe.”
Nationally, more than 5,000 firearms have been stopped at airport checkpoints so far in 2024.
In addition to any action taken by law enforcement, TSA fines passengers who bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint with a civil penalty up to approximately $15,000, revokes TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years and may conduct enhanced screening to ensure there are no other threats present.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hard-sided case and declared at the airline check-in counter. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should check for firearm laws in the jurisdictions they are flying to and from.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.