close
close

Atlanta Ranks No. 1 for Gun Seizures at U.S. Airports in 2024, Federal Officials Say – 95.5 WSB

Theo

ATLANTA — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to rank No. 1 in the United States for firearms discovered at TSA checkpoints, according to TSA officials.

In 2024, 222 firearms were confiscated from carry-on baggage, compared to 214 in the same period a year ago.

Mark Howell, a regional TSA spokesman, says this could negatively impact everyone waiting to go through security to board their flight.

“It can really cause a slowdown, especially in the morning rush hour when the volume is exceptionally high,” Howell said.

In 2023, 451 firearms were found in carry-on bags at airport security checkpoints in Atlanta by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A total of 6,737 firearms were found in carry-on bags at airport security checkpoints in other United States.

According to the TSA, when a transportation security officer intercepts a firearm during baggage screening, they contact local law enforcement. The passenger is then removed and the firearm is confiscated at the checkpoint. Local law then dictates the next steps, with officers either arresting the passenger or issuing a ticket, officials added.

Passengers who bring weapons through checkpoints can face fines and civil penalties of up to $15,000 and may also have their pre-clearance eligibility revoked for at least five years, while requiring enhanced screening on future flights.

Howell said the numbers could get worse given the record number of trips through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Related Posts