Washington — TSA officers found a record-breaking 164 guns in Washington airports last year, according to TSA Public Affairs. That’s 16 more than 2021 and 95 more than 2020.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport had the most firearms with 113. TSA found one firearm for every 152,453 travelers at this airport.
Spokane International Airport had 34 and Tri-Cities airport had 11.
TSA found 6,542 guns nationwide. The top airports were Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with 448 firearms, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport with 385, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport with 298.
The number of firearms detected in U.S. airports has increased by 5,419 since 2010.
“These statistics should serve as a reminder to every gun owner that they need to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint,” Gregory Hawko, TSA Federal Security Director for Washington, said. “Firearms have never been allowed in the cabin of the aircraft and there is no acceptable excuse for bringing a gun in your carry-on. Fortunately, we have a dedicated corps of TSA officers who remain vigilant while carrying out their security screening responsibilities.”
Even with a concealed weapons permit, passengers can’t take firearms in carry-on luggage. Weapons can be flown on commercial aircrafts with specific guidelines, according to TSA’s website.
Travelers can also use the TSA “Can I Bring” feature on their website and mobile app, or tweet “@AskTSA” from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST with questions.
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