According to the Transportation Security Administration, Atlanta airport takes the lead when it comes to firearm discoveries at airports in Georgia this year.
According to the TSA, during the first half of the year, security checkpoints in Georgia detected 249 firearms. Out of these, a staggering 222 were found at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which accounts for a whopping 89% of all the firearms detected.
An Atlanta airport representative emphasized that the safety and security of every individual who enters Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is their utmost concern. The TSA officers based in Atlanta remain highly observant in detecting any potential threats, such as weapons or other prohibited items, that could pose a risk to the airport’s safety. The figures provided highlight the extensive efforts that both the TSA and Atlanta Police undertake on a daily basis to ensure the airport’s safety.
According to the federal agency, Georgia airports have seen a total of 16.39 million travelers in 2024, with 14.99 million of them passing through Hartsfield-Jackson.
Going through security, the Atlanta airport stands out as the only one in Georgia with over 100 firearms detected.
According to the TSA, there has been a national increase of 7.3% in the number of travelers screened from January 1 to June 30. In Georgia, the increase is even higher at 11.2%.
Passengers are permitted to bring firearms through airport security in accordance with the law.
When traveling with firearms, it is important to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure safety and compliance. Firstly, ensure that the weapon is packed in a locked, hard-sided case, unloaded, and placed in checked baggage. This rule also applies to replica firearms. Moreover, declaring firearms, ammunition, and firearm parts before travel is mandatory. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your travels are safe and in accordance with regulations.
According to the TSA, the rate of firearms found per traveler screened in Georgia was twice the national average, with one firearm discovered for every 65,828 travelers.
When individuals who are carrying firearms while traveling fail to follow regulations, they risk facing long-lasting consequences. If caught, flyers may have to face the aftermath of their actions for years to come.
According to TSA, those who break the rules when it comes to traveling with firearms will face consequences such as having their TSA PreCheck® eligibility revoked for a span of five years. These individuals will also undergo increased screening during future travels. Additionally, bringing firearms to the security checkpoint may result in criminal citations or even arrest by local law enforcement. Furthermore, travelers may face civil penalties, with the amount determined by several factors, including whether the firearm was loaded and if accessible ammunition was present. It’s worth noting that the civil penalty can reach a maximum of almost $15,000 per violation.
The ranking of Georgia airports based on the number of firearm detections through June 30 is presented below.
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- ATL – 222 firearms
- SAV – 13 firearms
- AGS – 9 firearms
- VLD – 2 firearms
- BQK – 2 firearms
- CSG – 1 firearm
- ABY – 0 firearms
- MCN – 0 firearms
