TSA agents discovered almost nine guns every day on average at the nation’s airports during 2016.
TSA security screening found a record 3,391 firearms in carry-on bags at 238 airports last year, an annual increase of 28%.
TSA’s Year in Review report says screeners at Atlanta found the most – 198 followed by Texas airports Dallas Fort Worth and Houston with 192 and 128 respectively.
Of all guns seized, 83% were loaded, the report says.
It wasn’t just guns seized.
TSA agents confiscated dozens of grenades, raw gun powder and ‘thousands upon thousands’ of knives and dangerously sharp items.
"There were many instances last year when travelers attempted to hide items, or the items they packed were disguised to look like other items," the TSA said in a blog post, adding that sword canes, belt buckle knives, and knives hidden in shoes are regularly seized.
There is extra scrutiny of the carriage of firearms following last week’s deadly rampage at Fort Lauderdale Airport.
However the TSA didn’t miss this weapon as accused shooter Esteban Santiago transported it legally inside checked baggage, spurring calls for a change in policy.
