In 2024, Washington state airports saw a significant rise in the number of firearms found at security checkpoints, with a new record set for the state. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) revealed that 180 firearms were intercepted at various airports in Washington, a concerning number for aviation safety. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) was one of the top airports in the country for finding firearms, with 115 weapons discovered at the airport alone.
This increase in firearms at security checkpoints is alarming, as the TSA continues to urge travelers to follow safety guidelines. According to TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers, the agency is seeing a troubling trend with firearms showing up in carry-on bags, which is a major concern. Dankers added that the number of firearms found at Sea-Tac, along with other airports in the state, highlights a need for greater awareness and adherence to the rules.
More Guns Seized Across Washington Airports
The TSA reported the following statistics for other Washington state airports:
- Spokane International Airport: 51 firearms
- Bellingham International Airport: 2 firearms
- Paine Field in Everett: 5 firearms
- Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco: 4 firearms
- Yakima Air Terminal: 3 firearms
These totals contribute to the record 180 firearms found at airports in Washington last year, which is an increase compared to previous years. This surge in firearms being brought to airports is part of a wider trend observed across the United States.
Top Airports in the Country for Firearm Discoveries
Nationwide, the TSA intercepted a total of 6,678 firearms in 2024. The airports with the most firearms found during routine X-ray screening were:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 440 firearms
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: 390 firearms
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston: 272 firearms
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: 247 firearms
- Nashville International Airport: 188 firearms
These findings highlight that the issue of firearms being carried onto airplanes is a significant problem that the TSA is working to address.
How to Legally Travel with a Firearm
While it is legal to travel with a firearm, the TSA has clear guidelines about how this must be done. Firearms should never be carried in a passenger’s carry-on luggage. Instead, travelers must pack firearms in their checked luggage, ensuring they are unloaded and properly stored in a locked, hard-sided case.
If a traveler tries to bring a firearm through the security checkpoint in their carry-on bag, it results in serious consequences. The TSA will stop the screening process, and law enforcement will be called to respond. The firearm will be confiscated, and the traveler will face a civil penalty, which can be as high as $14,950 for the most severe cases.
TSA officials emphasize that there is no benefit to bringing a firearm in a carry-on bag, and the consequences of doing so are severe. The agency continues to urge passengers to follow the rules to ensure the safety of everyone traveling.
TSA’s Continued Efforts to Keep Airports Safe
The rise in firearms being found at airport security checkpoints has prompted the TSA to increase its efforts in educating travelers and strengthening security protocols. The TSA wants passengers to understand that bringing firearms into a carry-on bag not only disrupts security operations but also puts everyone at risk.
The agency encourages travelers to be responsible when packing for their flights and to remember the importance of following the proper procedures for traveling with firearms. By doing so, they can help ensure that airport security runs smoothly and that flights remain safe for all passengers.
Conclusion
With a record number of firearms being intercepted at Washington airports, the TSA continues to remind travelers to pack their firearms properly if they intend to travel with them. The significant number of firearms discovered at Sea-Tac and other airports is a serious concern, but by following the guidelines, passengers can avoid fines, delays, and legal troubles while ensuring the safety of everyone at the airport. Travelers should be aware of the rules and pack responsibly to help maintain a secure flying environment.
(Source : komonews.com)
