United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Record haul of guns seized at US airports in 2021
As expected, 2021 was a record year for gun seizures at TSA airport screening points.
Up to 21 December, TSA screeners seized more than 5,700 firearms, a hefty increase on the 4,432 firearms found in 2019.
It represented an even bigger rise in seizure rate per passenger, based on the lower number of air travelers overall.
TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston said about 85% of the firearms found in 2021 were loaded.
There have been several theories raised why more guns are being found in carry-on bags, including a big jump in US gun sales since the start of the pandemic.
"It’s a trend with guns in America and now we are seeing more guns at airports," Langston said.
The TSA said Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta was the airport with the most guns discovered at passenger screening, followed by Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel