Guns found on travelers at Pennsylvania airports decreased in 2024: TSA
PHILADELPHIA - The number of firearms found on travelers at Pennsylvania airports decreased slightly in 2024, the Transportation Security Administration reported Wednesday.
There were 97 guns detected by TSA Agents at Pennsylvania's nine airports. The bulk of those guns were found at international airports in Philly and Pittsburgh.
"It was good to see fewer people bringing their guns to our checkpoints in 2024," TSA's Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania Gerardo Spero said.
"However, it continued to be disappointing to see individuals who were still bringing their firearms to our security checkpoints."
What we know:
There were 40 guns found at Philadelphia International Airport in 2024, five fewer than the previous year.
Pittsburgh International Airport had 42 gun detections last year, which was just two fewer than in 2023.
Smaller airports like Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Harrisburg International, University Park Airport, and Erie International accounted for 15 firearms last year.
Gun detections took a more meaningful dip nationally, falling from 6,737 in 2023 to 6,678 last year. Over 90% of those guns, officials say, were loaded.
Top 10 U.S. airports for guns found in 2024
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 440
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: 390
- Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport: 272
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: 247
- Nashville International Airport: 188
- Denver International Airport: 166
- Orlando International Airport: 150
- Tampa International Airport: 135
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: 126
- Dallas Love Field Airport: 143
What they're saying:
Officials are celebrating the national drop in guns stopped at airports, but cautioned that the number of careless gun owners remains troubling.
"It was good to see fewer people bringing their guns to our checkpoints in 2024, however it continued to be disappointing to see individuals who were still bringing their firearms to our security checkpoints," Spero said.
Officials say "the majority of people" who are found with a gun "claim that they forgot that they had their gun with them."
"It's careless and irresponsible to not know where your gun is," Spero said. "Responsible gun owners know where there gun is at all times and they know not to bring it to an airport checkpoint."
People who are found with a gun will likely face stiff penalties, including a federal civil fine up to $15,000.
What you can do:
Officials urge gun owners who are thinking of traveling with a firearm to familiarize themselves with state laws and the TSA's guidelines.
Travelers can use the "What can I bring?" feature on the TSA website or app for further guidance.