TSA officers discovered more than 6,700 firearms in carry-on bags nationwide in 2023 – and most were loaded. At five Los Angeles area airports, officers found 145 guns, setting a new local record.
“Three airports discovered more firearms in 2023 than the previous year, including here at LAX where 81 firearms were discovered by our officers at our security checkpoints,” said TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages.
Pantages said John Wayne Airport and Long Beach Airport broke their own annual records for firearm finds. He noted that the civil penalty for bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint could be as high as $15,000, depending on whether it was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition.
Los Angeles World Airports Police Chief Cecil Rhambo told KNX News’ Margaret Carrero that in addition to civil penalties, bringing a gun to the airport is a misdemeanor in California. Offenders will be arrested, have their weapon seized, and face up to six months in jail.
“There's a diversionary program that happens for a one-year period of time,” Rhambo said. “After a year, the owner of the firearm is eligible to retrieve the weapon as long as they remain clear from disqualifying issues like a restraining order, some mental health issues, or domestic violence incidents.”
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Even if you have a concealed weapons permit, guns have to be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case, and placed in checked baggage to fly.
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