TSA finds 49 guns at O'Hare, Midway in first half of year

security
A sign directs travelers to a security checkpoint staffed by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers at O'Hare Airport. Photo credit Scott Olson/Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The TSA has found more than 3,200 guns at airport checkpoints this year as the agency reminds people to leave their weapons in a checked bag or at home during the busy summer season.

TSA officers found 25 guns at security checkpoints at O’Hare and 24 at Midway in the first half of this year. That’s actually lower than last year at the time and the opposite of the national trend that saw a 6% increase.

Derek Starks, the federal security director for Illinois TSA, calls it a careless and expensive mistake.

The agency can fine violators almost $15,000 and take away their precheck status for five years.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images