The Transportation Security Administration shared that it stopped more than 1,500 firearms from going through airport security checkpoints in the first quarter of 2024.
In data released by the TSA on Thursday, the agency shared that the detections averaged 16.5 firearms being found in passengers' bags and luggage a day.
While the number seems high, the TSA shared it is actually a small decrease from last year’s first quarter, which saw 16.8 firearms detected per day. It also noted that the decrease came as the number of flyers increased by 8%.
Last year saw a record number of firearm discoveries, with 6,737 guns being detained at airport checkpoints across the country.
Even more concerning, the agency shared that more than 93% of the firearms found in the first quarters of 2024 and 2023 were loaded.
“While it is certainly promising that the rate of passengers bringing firearms to the checkpoint has decreased, one firearm at the checkpoint is too many,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in the news release. “Every time we discover a firearm at the checkpoint, the security screening process is slowed down for all.”
The TSA highlighted that it is legal to travel with a firearm as long as it is licensed, properly packed according to its guidelines, and placed in checked baggage.
TSA guidelines for firearms include having them unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared to the airline when the bag is checked.
No firearm is permitted to go through security checkpoints or is allowed in the cabin of an aircraft, the agency shared.