TSA sees uptick in guns at NC airports. Here’s how many were caught so far in 2023

There’s been an uptick in the number of guns stopped at airports across the country this year, even in North Carolina.

The Transportation Security Administration recently announced that 3,251 firearms were stopped at airport security checkpoints during the first half of 2023. In comparison to this time last year, 3,053 firearms were stopped by TSA officers.

While there was a 6% increase year-to-year, officials say passenger volume at checkpoints increased 15%, showing the rate at which travelers brought firearms to airport checkpoints declined in 2023.

“Although the rate at which passengers bring firearms to airport security checkpoints has actually declined in 2023, the number of passengers traveling has also increased, so the agency is expected to surpass last year’s record of 6,542 firearm interceptions,” TSA officials said.

In the first six months of the year, TSA officers at several North Carolina airports saw significant increases in guns found in luggage, including Charlotte Douglas International, Raleigh-Durham International and Piedmont Triad International airports.

In a media release sent to The Charlotte Observer, 130 firearms were found in travelers’ carry-on luggage during routine screening at security checkpoints.

The Charlotte airport saw the biggest increase with 66 guns found so far, followed by RDU with 39.

Here’s a look at how many firearms were discovered at other airports around the state:

What happens if your firearm gets stopped at TSA?

“Anyone traveling with a firearm must follow the rules and pack it properly in checked baggage in addition to declaring it to the airline,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Passengers who bring a firearm to the security checkpoint present a security risk, and there are consequences for doing so.

When a TSA officers sees the image of a firearm on the X-ray screen, they immediately alert the local airport law enforcement agency, who will send over an officer to respond and remove the firearm.

“In addition to potential criminal citations, travelers face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint and TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis,” officials said.

Firearm possession laws vary by state and local government. According to TSA officials, they are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport, and on board aircraft, even if you have a concealed carry permit and civil penalties can carry up to a maximum of $15,000 per violation.

If you’d like to pack a firearm for a trip, it must be properly packed in checked baggage and declared at the airline ticket counter. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so make sure to check luggage policies before heading to the airport.