During 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the United States.
Approximately 94% of these firearms were loaded, underscoring a critical safety concern for airport staff and passengers. While this number represents a slight decrease from the 6,737 firearms intercepted in 2023, the issue remains significant, raising questions about traveler preparedness and compliance.
TSA screened over 904 million passengers in 2024, averaging 7.4 firearms intercepted per million travelers. This marked a slight improvement compared to 2023’s 7.8 firearms per million travelers. Despite the small decrease, the daily average remained high, with security teams detecting 18.2 firearms per day.
The agency’s ongoing “Prepare, Pack, Declare” campaign aims to educate travelers on the proper procedures for safely traveling with firearms. According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, “One firearm at a checkpoint is too many. Firearms present a safety risk for our employees and everyone else at the checkpoint. It’s also costly and slows down operations.” Pekoske emphasized the need for travelers to follow regulations, including ensuring firearms are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, declared at the airline’s check-in counter, and transported in checked luggage.
When a firearm is detected at a security checkpoint, TSA immediately involves local law enforcement. Depending on local laws, the individual may face arrest or a citation. Beyond legal repercussions, violators face a maximum civil penalty of $14,950 and the revocation of TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years. Enhanced screening measures are also enforced to ensure no additional threats are present, further delaying the individual’s travel.
Although TSA does not confiscate firearms, its collaboration with law enforcement ensures proper handling of such incidents. The consistent high number of firearm interceptions highlights the need for continued public awareness and stricter adherence to safety protocols.
The slight decline in firearm interceptions in 2024 could indicate progress in education and enforcement, but the numbers still reflect a troubling trend. As TSA balances efficiency and security, the challenge remains: how to ensure travelers fully understand and comply with firearm transportation rules. Are airports safer now? The numbers suggest incremental progress, but the risks underscore the importance of vigilance from both authorities and the traveling public.
