Almost 5,700 firearms have been confiscated from carry-on bags at airport checkpoints in 2021. It is the highest number ever by some margin. The previous record was 4,400 guns confiscated in 2019.
The majority of weapons — 85% — were loaded. "It’s an all-time high," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.
Guns found in carry-on bags can lead to $3,000-$10,000 in fines and possible criminal charges if bags state laws are broken.
The agency expects many more gun seizures before the year-end during the busy holiday period.
