In 2024, TSA reported a significant rise in gun interceptions at major DMV airports, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
BWI led the pack with 47 guns found, a nearly 12% increase from 2023. DCA caught 41 guns, up 5%, while IAD saw a 21% jump with 29 guns intercepted. Together, these airports found a total of 117 firearms, which is 12 more than last year.
Christopher Murgia, the TSA Federal Security Director for Maryland, mentioned that they’d rather travelers declare their firearms and pack them correctly in checked luggage. He noted, “None of us set out to set a record for the most guns caught in a year.”
Despite these records, the DMV airports still don’t rank among the top ten for gun interceptions. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leads with 440 guns, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is tenth with 126.
Nationwide, TSA intercepted 6,678 guns in 2024, slightly down from 2023’s 6,737. However, this number has skyrocketed over the last 16 years, from just 926 guns in 2008.
It’s important to note that flying with a gun is legal, but there are strict TSA rules. Firearms must be checked and stored in the cargo hold, ensuring no access during the flight. For more details on traveling with firearms, check out the TSA website.
