Shocking numbers of American weapons with ammunition at airports

The US authorities said that airport security recorded this year the confiscation of 6,301 weapons in hand luggage destined for planes so far this year, exceeding the previous record of 5,972 weapons that were discovered in 2021, noting that 88% of these weapons were ready with ammunition.

The US Transportation Security Administration recently announced an increase in fines for people caught with a handgun in their carry-on bag after this record number of firearms were intercepted at security checkpoints.

The maximum fine will be $14,950 from $13,910.

And a report by the Associated Press noted that the numbers have been steadily increasing over the past decade: In 2012, 1,549 weapons were discovered at security checkpoints.

Firearms laws vary by location, but weapons are never allowed in hand luggage at any airport security checkpoint, even if the passenger has permission to conceal the weapon.

Passengers carrying firearms must do so in a sealed bag in checked baggage.

They must also declare it to the airline.

At a congressional hearing earlier this year, some politicians and airport managers called for higher fines, gun safety lessons for offenders, and other measures.

But other politicians said most of the arrested passengers simply forgot they were carrying a gun, and that higher fines would not stop the problem.

When the TSA finds a gun, it generally checks to see if it was stolen or involved in a previous crime.

The agency may also confiscate the gun.

In addition to the fine, TSA will revoke the eligibility for pre-screening — a government program that allows expedited background screening for individuals deemed low risk — for at least five years for anyone caught with a gun at a security checkpoint.

Passengers may also be arrested for a firearms violation depending on state or local laws at the airport location.

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