The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Georgia airports have reported an increase in the number of firearms discovered in carry-on luggage during the first half of 2023. A total of 226 firearms were found, which is eight more than the same period last year. These firearms were detected during routine screenings at airport security checkpoints.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) led the nation with 214 firearms found during this period, while Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) discovered 13 guns, almost matching the total found there in the entire year of 2022.
The following is a breakdown of firearm discoveries at Georgia airports for January 1 through June 30, 2023, compared to the same period last year and the full year of 2022:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l (ATL): 214 (1st half 2023), 203 (1st half 2022), 448 (2022)
Savannah-Hilton Head Int’l (SAV): 13 (1st half 2023), 5 (1st half 2022), 14 (2022)
Augusta Regional (AGS): 5 (1st half 2023), 5 (1st half 2022), 9 (2022)
Columbus Metropolitan (CSG): 2 (1st half 2023), 2 (1st half 2022), 5 (2022)
Valdosta Regional (VLD): 0 (1st half 2023), 2 (1st half 2022), 4 (2022)
Southwest Georgia Regional (ABY): 2 (1st half 2023), 0 (1st half 2022), 0 (2022)
Middle Georgia Regional (MCN): 0 (1st half 2023), 1 (1st half 2022), 2 (2022)
Brunswick Golden Isles (BQK): 0 (1st half 2023), 0 (1st half 2022), 0 (2022)
Overall, Georgia had a total of 226 firearm discoveries in the first half of 2023, compared to 218 in the same period last year and a total of 482 in the full year of 2022. Nationally, a total of 3,251 firearms were found at airports in the first half of 2023, compared to 3,053 in the same period last year and a total of 6,542 in 2022.
In addition to potential criminal citations, passengers face civil penalties for bringing firearms to security checkpoints. The civil penalty amount is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as whether the firearm was loaded and if there was accessible ammunition. The civil penalty can reach a maximum of nearly $15,000 per violation. It's important to note that even travelers with concealed weapons permits cannot carry firearms in their carry-on luggage.
Those who violate the rules regarding firearms in air travel will have their Trusted Traveler status, and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked for a certain period, depending on the seriousness of the offense and any previous violations.
