TSA: ‘Substantial increase’ in airport gun seizures this year

Friday, 10 May, 2021 0

The Transportation Security Administration is once again calling out a worrying increase of firearms detected at airport checkpoints.

The rate of seizures spiked last year despite the number of air travelers well down because of the pandemic.

TSA acting head Darby LaJoye said the high numbers of guns found at passenger screening has extended into 2021.

LaJoye told the Hill 120 firearms were found in April, which includes 32 firearms seized on 23 April alone.

About 80% are loaded, LaJoye said.

"This really is, it’s a concern we have. It’s a public safety concern. It’s an officer safety concern," LaJoye said.

"Most airports, when you travel, you’re going to see a state or local law enforcement officer right there. So a number of these firearm cases resulted in an arrest," he added.

"The excuse we generally get is they didn’t know, they forgot" (it was in their carry-on bag) LaJoye said, adding that repeat offenses are ‘very, very low.’

The rate of gun seizures based on the number of travelers in 2020 was the highest since the TSA was established.

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.

A state like no other. A place known for togetherness, celebration and happiness. In Louisiana, we call it “joie de...

Traveltek is the world-leading provider of online solutions for the travel trade, from consumer-facing websites to call centre applications. We...

Nium was founded on the mission to build the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand...

Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 advisors. We...

The superpower in bed banks for 30 years We are an award-winning and trusted accommodation wholesaler since 1991. We are...

IHG Hotels & Resorts: Redefining Hospitality Excellence IHG Hotels & Resorts is a globally renowned hospitality company that stands at...

Jet2.com is the UK’s third largest airline, flying from ten UK airports to more than 60 destinations across Europe and beyond....

Atout France guides and supports the French regions with their development strategy and helps set up investment projects in order...

Celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2022, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® offers guests An Unrivaled Experience® with every luxury included. Carrying...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES Mabuhay! Welcome to our archipelago of 7,641 islands where there are endless beaches, lively and fashionable cities,...

Discover Sarawak Revealing a side of Asia unlike anywhere else, Sarawak offers an alternative for those seeking humble authenticity far...

Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travellers to discover the world’s most amazing places...

Babble is a leading technology business that is reimagining how we do work. Founded in 2001, the company works with...

We’re the number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean – a fact we love to...

Our Mission Ecommerce has transformative powers, and we believe everyone should be able to take part. But outdated solutions and...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...