TSA Discovered a Record 1,813 Firearms at U.S. Airports in 2013

A human skull, 136 grenades, 562 stun guns, and 1,813 firearms were discovered by the Transportation Security Agency at U.S. airports in 2013.

We first reported on the record discoveries in October, but the TSA detailed last year’s discoveries in a blog post published today.

The TSA discovered a record 1,813 firearms in carry-on bags across the country this year, a 16.5 percent increase in firearm discoveries from 2012.

Of the 1,813 firearms discovered, 81 percent, or 1,477 firearms, were loaded.

The most gun discoveries at a single airport was 111 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This is the second year Atlanta took the top spot; 95 firearms were discovered in 2012.

Like last year, most weapons were found in states that allow residents to carry concealed weapons and are much more likely to have a gun with them on a day-to-day basis.

The top 5 airports for gun discoveries in 2013 are outlined below:

The increased discoveries are not related to any changes this year in how the TSA operates.

Ross Feinstein, Press Secretary at TSA told Skift earlier this year, “Our procedures have not changed. It’s pretty well known that bringing a loaded weapon on a plane isn’t allowed. Most people who travel understand.”

Last year also marked the first time that a TSA officer was killed while on duty. Gerardo I. Hernandez was shot and killed at Los Angeles International Airport on November 1.

More About the TSA:

• The TSA Just Set a New Record for Guns Found at Airports
• Maybe We Should Think About Defunding the TSA After All
• Security Searches Start Long Before Flyers Arrive at the Airport