Atlanta International Airport on Track for Record Gun Seizures
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released a report that shows that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has found more guns than any other airport in the United States so far in 2023. As of June 30, 2023, TSA officers have found 214 guns at Hartsfield-Jackson, which is on pace to be a record. The vast majority of passengers who have had guns found in their carry-on bags say they forgot they were there after being found at security checkpoints. After a firearm is found, TSA officers notify airport police, who take the firearm and passenger to the airport precinct. Passengers who bring guns to the security checkpoint face civil penalties, and they may also be subject to criminal citations.
TSA @ TFB:
I’ve had to represent clients who have been caught with guns in carry-ons (and loaded guns in checked bags, which can also be a problem). Criminal penalties are typically not sought if the gun is discovered in a gun-friendly state such as Georgia or Texas, but civil penalties ($$$) are the norm, as well as temporary forfeiture of Global Entry and/or PreCheck status, perhaps the worst part.
The article also mentions that this is not the first time that Hartsfield-Jackson has led the nation in gun detections. In 2022, the airport found 324 guns, which was also a record. This is no surprise as ATL is the busiest airport in the world. The real question is “Which airport seizes the most guns per capita?” The answer would definitely surprise you, and ATL is nowhere near the top. The video embedded below has the answer:
Owner, Neutral Ground Gun Co. NRA/Louisiana State Police certified concealed weapons instructor, 2012-present Maxim Magazine's MAXIMum Warrior, 2011 TFBTV Executive Producer Champion, Key West Cinco De Mayo Taco Eating Competition Lawyer Instagram: gunshorts Twitter: @jjreeves
More by James Reeves
Comments
Join the conversation
I know a guy who went through Denver with a loaded Glock 17 in his carry-on and somehow DID NOT get stopped, then got nabbed heading home from Michigan and was so confused as to how the Glock got there. He said he was cleaning his gun before a girl came over and he tossed it in a backpack out of sight so she wouldn’t see a gun and freak out.
Also, lots of NAA mini revolvers. Probably so small people just don’t know they’re there.
I'm-a have to go with "throw the got-dang book at 'em"; if you're so lax about firearm safety that you can sincerely just "forget" you have a gun in your luggage, or so windowlicking stupid as to not check that luggage before you head into an area you knew in advance was secured and subject to searches, you have no business being around guns and should get put on the Prohibited Possessor list before you statistic somebody.