A record 2,212 firearms — most of them loaded — were discovered in travelers' carry-on bags at U.S. airports last year, according to 2014 statistics released today by the Department of Homeland Security.
Transportation Security Administration officers found an average of six firearms per day in passengers' carry-on bags or on their bodies. More than 80% of the guns were loaded. The total number of firearms discovered at airport security checkpoints rose 22% from 2013, the DHS statistics show.
The No. 1 excuse given by passengers going through airport checkpoints with guns was that they forget they had the firearms with them.
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| Airport security agents in California stopped a passenger who was accidentally carrying an 8.5-inch knife in an enchilada. (Photo: TSA) |
When TSA officers find the guns, they call in police officers working at the airport. Police interview the passengers to see whether their guns are licensed and determine whether or not they should be arrested. The gun-toting passengers face thousands of dollars in federal fines.
Travelers with licensed guns are allowed to pack their unloaded firearms into checked bags only.
The top five airports for firearms discoveries in 2014 were Dallas/Fort Worth International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Denver International Airport.
An additional 1,400 dangerous objects — including stun guns, knives, razors and firearm components — were discovered.Read the rest of the story HERE and view a related video below:
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