MINNEAPOLIS — The TSA is dealing with a persistent problem at airports across the country, guns being transported illegally.
During the first three months of 2024, the TSA seized 1,503 firearms at security checkpoints across the country.
That number is slightly lower than the 1,508 firearms the TSA seized during the first three months of 2023.
The agency has seen a slight increase in travelers so far in 2024, but the steady numbers highlight a continuing problem for the TSA.
At the end of 2023, the TSA seized more than 6,700 firearms nationwide.
That number is nearly three times higher than it was a decade ago when just over 1,800 guns were seized in 2013.
Locally, the TSA is seeing more promising numbers, with 14 firearms seized at MSP during the 1st quarter of 2024 compared to 19 guns during that same time period last year.
TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle says the agency is trying to bring more awareness to travelers so they can avoid these dangerous and inconvenient encounters with firearms at their checkpoints.
"Overwhelmingly these are careless mistakes. People say ‘Oh my gosh I forgot I had that in my bag, I didn't mean to do that,’ but the consequences are the same. It's incredibly dangerous to bring a loaded gun,” Mayle says.
For every gun that is transported illegally, Mayle says there are hundreds of responsible gun owners who do follow the rules.
The TSA says guns must be unloaded, with ammunition stored separately, and the airline must be notified.
"When you go to check your bags you have to let them know you're traveling with a firearm, here it is,” Mayle says.
Gun owners who don't follow the rules will be cited and fined by the TSA.
Airport police will also be notified and they could add additional penalties.
Mayle says every time a gun is discovered the TSA has to shut down that entire security lane for several minutes which can affect hundreds of travelers.
"We don't even move that bag out of the x-ray stall. As soon as we see the image of a gun all activity stops, and we call police,” Mayle explains.
The TSA has an entire section on its website that walks you through everything you need to know if you want to travel with a gun at your local airport.
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