Quite Recently , Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials in Maine found a homemade firearm and hatchet in a man’s carry-on luggage , which is Prohibited Ofcourse. This is just an example, but the trend is worrisome in the United States of America , as similar violations are Rampant.
In a Release , Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has said that its officers have intercepted a record number of firearms brought by passengers to airport security checkpoints in 2022. As of December 16, TSA has stopped 6,301 firearms ; more than 88% were loaded.
This number surpasses the previous record of 5,972 firearms detected in 2021. TSA anticipates it will prevent about 6,600 firearms in carry-on bags from entering the secure area of airports by the end of 2022, a nearly 10% increase over 2021’s record level.
Firearm possession laws are different — in different states and by different governments , but guns are never allowed in carry-on bags at any airport security checkpoint , even if the traveller has a concealed-weapon permit. Passengers transporting firearms must pack it in a locked casing in checked baggage for the cargo hold carriage. Declaration of the firearms to the airline is another requisite, as per the TSA.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and local government, but firearms are never allowed in carry-on bags at any TSA security checkpoint, even if a passenger has a concealed weapon permit.
Earlier in the year, at a congressional hearing , some lawmakers called for higher fines, gun safety classes for violators and other measures. The concern was , maximum fines were rarely imposed and were ineffective.
Taking it further , in order to reduce the threat of firearms at checkpoints , TSA has increased the maximum civil penalty for a firearms violation to $14,950 , Previously it was $13,910.
TSA will also Revoke the TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years , It said ,
TSA determines the penalty amount for a violation based on the circumstances in each case. TSA will continue to revoke TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years for passengers caught with a firearm in their possession.
Passengers may also be arrested for a firearms violation depending on the state or local laws in the airport’s location,
TSA may conduct enhanced screening for those passengers to ensure no other threats are present. Depending on state or local law in the airport’s location, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint may be arrested by law enforcement.
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TSA Administrator David Pekoske said ,
“I applaud the work of our Transportation Security Officers who do an excellent job of preventing firearms from getting into the secure area of airports, and onboard aircraft,”
“Firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags at the checkpoint and onboard aircraft. When a passenger brings a firearm to the checkpoint, this consumes significant security resources and poses a potential threat to transportation security, in addition to being very costly for the passenger.”
Passengers traveling by air who wish to transport firearms must do so in checked baggage. Those passengers must follow proper packing guidance for firearms in checked baggage and declare them to their airline at check-in.
Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers must also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport.To view the complete list of penalties, go to TSA.gov.
Source : TSA.
