Over 3,000 firearms intercepted at security checkpoints in first half of 2022
Over 3,000 firearms have been stopped from passing through security checkpoints by TSA officers in the first six months of 2022, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
On average, agents stopped 17 firearms at checkpoints each day, according to Lisa Farbstein, TSA spokesperson. The number of intercepted firearms for the year could surpass 2021's record.
If the pace continues, firearm catches will surpass the current full year-record of 5,972 firearms intercepted at the nation's checkpoints in 2021, the TSA announced Tuesday.
Several people were stopped by the TSA over the Fourth of July holiday weekend because of the fact that they were stopped with guns at security checkpoints.
A Pennsylvania man tried to bring a loaded handgun onto a flight at the Harrisburg International Airport on Monday. The TSA said the gun was loaded with six bullets.
Just days before the shooting, officers stopped a handgun from making its way past security at Dane County Regional Airport in Wisconsin and prevented another loaded handgun from getting on board a plane at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The TSA and the Port Authority Police PAPD announced concerns about the frequency of travelers carrying firearms to security checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport, most of which were found to be loaded before the holiday kicked off.
New Jersey TSA Federal SecurityTSA Federal Security Director Thomas Carter stated that guns and ammunition are never allowed to pass through a security checkpoint to be carried onto a flight, even if a traveler has a concealed carry permit. Guns and ammunition need to be packed in checked baggage and declared to the airline, Carter said.
The TSA can issue civil penalties to travelers, even those with concealed gun carry permits, who bring weapons with them to checkpoints, according to the agency.
The TSA said that civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can run into thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the situation.