TSA detected 49 firearms at Chicago airports in first six months of 2023

CHICAGO – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped 49 handguns at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) security checkpoints from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2023. In the same period in 2022, 60 firearms were stopped.

Nationwide, TSA officers intercepted 3,251 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first half of 2023. The total represents an average 18 firearms per day at TSA checkpoints of which more than 92% were loaded. This is an increase from the first half of 2022 when officers stopped 3,053 firearms at security checkpoints of which more than 86% were loaded.  Firearms at TSA checkpoints represent an unnecessary risk and an expensive mistake for passengers who do not follow proper packing guidance for firearms in checked baggage.

“As summer travel ramps up, we continue to see far too many passengers bringing firearms to the checkpoint,” Illinois TSA Federal Security Director Dereck Starks said. “This is a careless, expensive mistake that introduces unnecessary risk into the crowded checkpoint environment. We hope to see these figures decline in the second half of the year.”

In the first week of July, the figures have continued to climb. Firearms were detected at MDW on July 4 and at ORD on July 2 and July 5.

When passengers bring firearms to the TSA security checkpoint, TSOs contact local law enforcement to check the contents of the carry-on bag, safely unload and take possession of the firearm and process the passenger in accordance with local laws on firearms. TSA will impose a civil penalty up to $14,950, eliminate TSA PreCheck® eligibility for five years and may require enhanced screening. Some passengers will be arrested or cited, depending on local laws on firearms.

The number of firearm catches nationwide during the first half of 2023 represents a 6% increase over the same period in 2022. However, over the same period, passenger volume at checkpoints increased 15%, showing the rate at which passengers brought firearms to airport checkpoints declined in 2023. As of June 30, 2023, TSA stopped about eight firearms per million passengers. During the first half of calendar year 2022, TSA prevented 8.5 firearms per million passengers.

Firearm possession laws vary by state and local government, but firearms are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport, and on board aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit.

TSA recommends that passengers pack an empty bag. Prior to packing an empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. The most common prohibited items at TSA checkpoints are oversized liquids under the liquids, gels and aerosols rule.

To view the complete list of penalties, go to TSA.gov.

Firearms caught by TSA at Illinois airport checkpoints, Jan.1-June 30, 2023

• O’Hare International Airport (ORD): 25
• Midway International Airport (MDW): 24
• Quad Cities International Airport (MLI): 3
• MidAmerica/St. Louis Airport (BLV): 3
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): 0
• General Wayne A Downing International Airport (PIA): 0
• Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD): 2

Firearms caught by TSA at Illinois airport checkpoints, 2018 to 2022