Number of guns found at Atlanta airport down, but still No. 1 in the nation
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport officials say the Transportation Security Administration is finding less firearms at checkpoints at Atlanta’s airport so far this year. (FOX 5)
ATLANTA - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is No. 1 again. But this time, it's not a list they want to be at the top of. The world's busiest airport has once again grabbed the top spot for number of guns found by the TSA at security checkpoints.
What we know:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport topped the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 2024 list for the most firearms found at security checkpoints, with 440 guns detected last year. Nationally, the TSA discovered over 6,600 firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2024, representing a slight decrease from the 6,700 plus firearms found in 2023. Despite the decrease, the majority of these firearms were loaded, posing a significant safety risk.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport came in at No. 2 with 390 guns found.
What they're saying:
TSA leaders have emphasized the importance of firearm safety and compliance with travel regulations. They are using the data as an opportunity to remind travelers about the proper procedures for transporting firearms. "Firearms should never be brought to security checkpoints," a TSA official stated, stressing the need for proper packing and declaration of firearms in checked luggage.
The backstory:
Firearm detections at Hartsfield-Jackson have been a recurring issue. The TSA has been working to address this problem through public awareness campaigns and traveler education initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce the number of firearms improperly brought to security checkpoints and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
By the numbers:
Here's a look at the numbers around the nation and in Atlanta:
- Firearms Detected Nationwide (2024): 6,678
- Firearms Detected in Atlanta (2021): 440
- Firearms Detected Nationwide (2023): 6,737
- Firearms Detected in Atlanta (2023): 451
- Firearms Detected Nationwide (2022): 6,542
- Firearms Detected in Atlanta (2022): 496
- Firearms Detected Nationwide (2021): 5,972
- Firearms Detected in Atlanta (2021): 507
Complete list:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International: 440
- Dallas/Fort Worth International: 390
- Houston's George Bush Intercontinental: 272
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International: 247
- Nashville International: 188
- Denver International: 166
- Orlando International: 150
- Dallas Love Field: 143
- Tampa International: 135
- Austin-Bergstrom International: 126
- Salt Lake City International: 122
- Harry Reid International: 119
- Charlotte Douglas International: 117
Why you should care:
Improperly handled firearms pose a significant risk to airport security and public safety. Frequent firearm detections at checkpoints disrupt operations and can lead to serious legal consequences for travelers. Understanding TSA guidelines for transporting firearms can help ensure smoother travel and maintain safety for all passengers.
What you can do:
Here are the rules from the TSA for transporting guns:
- Follow all local, state, and international firearm laws when traveling.
- Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for international firearm travel requirements.
- Declare each firearm when presenting it for transport in checked baggage and check with your airline for fees or limitations.
- Ensure firearms are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and transported as checked baggage only.
- Only the passenger should have the key or combination to the firearm container, unless TSA requests access for compliance checks.
- Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to a security checkpoint carries the same penalties as bringing a loaded firearm.
- Firearm parts (e.g., magazines, clips, bolts, firing pins) are prohibited in carry-on baggage but allowed in checked baggage.
- Replica firearms, including toy replicas, are allowed only in checked baggage.
- Rifle scopes are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
What's next:
The TSA plans to continue its outreach efforts to educate the public about firearm regulations. Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with TSA’s guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure compliance when traveling with firearms. The agency’s goal is to reduce firearm incidents and enhance overall security at airports nationwide. A press conference is scheduled for later today to discuss the issue.