TSA Intercepts 6,678 Firearms at Airport Security Checkpoints in 2024
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2024, marking a slight decrease from the 6,737 firearms detected in 2023. Of the firearms found, 94% were loaded, underscoring a persistent safety concern.
"One firearm at a checkpoint is too many," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "Firearms pose a safety risk to TSA employees and travelers alike, slow down checkpoint operations, and carry significant legal consequences for travelers who fail to follow proper procedures."
The TSA screened over 904 million passengers in 2024, an increase from the 858 million screened in 2023. This led to a slight reduction in firearm detection rates, from 7.8 firearms per million passengers in 2023 to 7.4 per million passengers in 2024. On average, TSA officers intercepted 18.2 firearms daily in 2024.
Firearm Detection Summary
| Year | Passengers Screened | Firearms Detected | Daily Average | Percentage Loaded | Rate per Million Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 904 million | 6,678 | 18.2 | 94% | 7.4 |
| 2023 | 858 million | 6,737 | 18.4 | 93% | 7.8 |
When firearms are detected, TSA immediately contacts local law enforcement to remove the individual and firearm from the checkpoint area. Depending on local laws, individuals may face arrest or citations. In addition to legal consequences, travelers bringing firearms to TSA checkpoints face maximum civil penalties of $14,950, a five-year revocation of TSA PreCheck® eligibility, and enhanced screening measures.
To address this ongoing issue, TSA continued its "Prepare, Pack, Declare" public awareness campaign throughout 2024, reminding travelers of the correct procedures for transporting firearms. These include ensuring firearms are unloaded, packed in a hard-sided, locked case, declared at the airline check-in counter, and transported in checked baggage only.
As passenger volumes grow, TSA remains committed to maintaining security and educating the public on firearm transportation regulations to ensure the safety of all travelers.
