TSA officers discovered 84 firearms in carry-on bags around the nation last week. Of the 84 firearms discovered, 70 were loaded and 31 had a round chambered. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,066 per violation per person for prohibited items violations and violations of other TSA regulations. Repeat violations will result in higher penalties. Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure. You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with your firearms in checked baggage. Some airlines policies may differ from TSA’s. We strongly suggest travelers contact their airline for specific firearm and ammunition policies and to check local laws related to the carrying and transport of firearms. All of the firearms pictured were discovered over the last week. See complete lists below.
This is just a small example of some of the ammunition packed in carry-on bags across the nation last week. If packed properly, ammunition can be transported in checked-baggage. You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with ammunition in checked baggage.
Clockwise from the top left, these prohibited items were discovered in carry-on bags at BUF, ABQ, BNA, BUR, BNA, BNA, DTW, STL, DTW, TPA, SAN, ORD, STL, RIC, BNA, DTW and DTW. While these items are prohibited in carry-on bags, they may be packed in checked baggage. However, familiarize yourself with local laws as concealed weapons and martial arts weapons are illegal in parts of the U.S.
These cane swords were discovered (l-r) at the Baltimore–Washington International Airport (BWI) and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). Swords must be packed in checked bags, and concealed swords such as these can lead to fines and even arrest.
Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds. Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the line is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested. This is a friendly reminder to please leave these items at home. Just because we find a prohibited item on an individual does not mean they had bad intentions; that's for the law enforcement officer to decide. In many cases, people simply forgot they had these items.
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Bob Burns
