TSA: Record guns caught at airports in 2022

Last year marked a record number of guns intercepted at airport checkpoints across the country. The numbers have been steadily climbing. Experts and officials say the rise is a reflection of the growing number of Americans carrying weapons.

The head the Transportation Safety Administration says the trend is a reflection of what is going on in society and in “society there are more people carrying firearms.” Nearly everyone caught claims to have forgotten they had their gun with them. But they emphasize the danger even one gun can pose in the wrong hands on a plane or at a checkpoint.

When a TSA staffer sees what they believe to be a weapon on the X-ray machine, they usually stop the belt so the bag stays inside the machine where the passenger can’t get it. Then they call in local police.Repercussions vary depending on local and state laws. The person may be arrested and have their gun confiscated. But sometimes they’re allowed to give the gun to a companion and continue on their way. Unloaded guns can also be placed in checked bags assuming they follow proper procedures.