The TSA caught 6,678 firearms at US airport security checkpoints in 2024

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 6,678 weapons at airport checkpoints in the United States in 2024, which is a slight drop from the 6,737 that were intercepted in 2022, the agency said in a press release.

Despite the small decline, it illustrates the persistent worry about people bringing guns to airport security checks. Notably, 94% of the guns that were seized were loaded, posing a serious risk to passenger and TSA personnel safety.

Despite an increase in passenger volume, TSA intercepted firearms at a rate of 7.4 per million travelers, down from 7.8 per million in 2023.

In total, TSA screened over 904 million passengers, maintaining vigilance as it continued its "Prepare, Pack, Declare" public awareness campaign, which aims to educate travelers on the proper procedures for traveling with firearms, the agency said.

"One firearm at a checkpoint is too many." TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasized the seriousness of the issue in the statement: "Firearms present a safety risk for our employees and everyone else at the checkpoint. It’s also costly and slows down operations. If individuals who carry a firearm intend to travel, we remind them that the firearm must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, declared to the airline at the check-in counter, and transported in checked baggage."

Bringing a firearm to a checkpoint has serious consequences. Travelers detected in possession of guns risk losing their TSA precheck status for a minimum of five years and facing penalties of up to $14,950.

In order to deal with the person, law enforcement is also summoned to the location, which may result in an arrest or citation, according to the agency.

Key Findings in the 2024 Data

• Interceptions: 6,678 firearms were intercepted at checkpoints across the nation in 2024.
• Loaded Guns: Approximately 94% of these firearms were loaded.
• Passenger Volume: TSA screened more than 904 million passengers in 2024, an increase over the previous year.
• Firearm Interception Rate: The rate of interceptions dropped to 7.4 per million passengers, down from 7.8 in 2023.

In 2024, firearms were caught at 277 airport checkpoints across the country. The top five airports for firearm interception were led by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which saw a significant 440 firearms stopped at its security checkpoints.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) followed closely with 390 firearms, while Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) intercepted 272 firearms.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) ranked fourth with 247 firearms found, and Nashville Airport (BNA) rounded out the top five with 188 firearms detected.

These airports, among the busiest in the US, consistently face high volumes of passengers, and TSA officers remain vigilant in preventing firearms from entering secure areas.

The high number of interceptions at these airports highlights the ongoing need for public awareness about the proper procedures for traveling with firearms.

The following airports ranked highest for firearm interceptions in 2024:

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) – 440 firearms
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) – 390 firearms
3. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) – 272 firearms
4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) – 247 firearms
5. Nashville International (BNA) – 188 firearms
6. Denver International (DEN) – 166 firearms
7. Orlando International (MCO) – 150 firearms
8. Tampa International (TPA) – 135 firearms
9. Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) – 126 firearms
10. Dallas Love Field (DAL) – 143 firearms

In the New York metropolitan area, TSA officers intercepted a total of 42 firearms across local airports in 2024, a decrease from 51 in 2023, the agency announced in a separate press release.

However, a new record was set at Newark Liberty International Airport , where the highest number of firearms was detected in a single year.

Notable firearm interceptions also occurred in the Washington, DC, area. In 2024, TSA officers at the region's airports intercepted 117 weapons, up from 105 the year before. 47 firearms were intercepted at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport , compared to 41 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and 29 at Washington Dulles International Airport . Additionally, these airports broke previous records for interception of firearms.