TSA confiscates record-breaking number of firearms

If you’re like me, you feel this profound sense of accomplishment when you get through security without a TSA agent yelling at you. Apparently, not everyone is as determined to keep a squeaky clean airport reputation at the airport, however. 

The TSA recently announced a record-breaking surge in firearm confiscations, saying it had intercepted an astonishing 6,301 guns from passing through security checkpoints as of mid-December. So what’s going on? 

Here’s everything you need to know: 

• The number of firearm confiscations by the TSA has increased on a steady basis every year since 2010.

• The only time the TSA saw a fall in interceptions was in 2020, as a result of pandemic lockdowns.

• The recent announcement comes just three months after the TSA anticipated it would break its annual record once again. 

• More than 88 percent of the intercepted guns were loaded. 

• The agency anticipates finding an estimated 6,600 guns in carry-on bags by the year’s end — a 10 percent increase from last year. 

Apparently, “did you pack your own bags?” isn’t a crazy question…

• The TSA says the most common excuse gun owners give for bringing a firearm through security is, “I forgot it was in the bag,” or “Someone else packed my bag for me.’”

• Legally, passengers are permitted to bring unloaded guns in checked bags. The guns must also be locked in a hard-sided container. 

• Passengers are required to declare guns at the check-in kiosk when handing over their luggage. 

• It is illegal to bring guns in carry-on bags, no matter the circumstances. 

Here’s to hoping people start “remembering” they have a loaded gun when passing through security.