The Transportation Security Administration has seized more than 1,500 guns at airports since the beginning of the year.
A total of 1,508 firearms were found by TSA officers during the first quarter – up 10.3% increase over the same period last year.
More than 93% of the weapons were loaded.
A record-high 6,500 guns were seized throughout 2022.
“Firearms at TSA security checkpoints present an unacceptable safety risk to other passengers and I am deeply concerned that the majority of these firearms our TSOs catch are loaded,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.
“If you carry a firearm, our TSOs will see it and there will be significant penalties.”
The civil penalty for firearms violations was recently increased to nearly $15,000 but is seemingly having little effect as a deterrent.
