RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) — Fewer weapons were detected at security checkpoints at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA officers found a total of 74 firearms at RDUs in 2022, according to a report released Thursday.
That’s up from 100 found last year in 2021.
At Fayetteville Regional Airport, TSA agents reported finding only three firearms in 2022, compared to four the previous year.
The downward trend also extends to North Carolina airports in general.
TSA agents said 250 firearms were found at North Carolina airports in 2022, four fewer than the 254 they found in 2021.
The report comes after the Tar Heel State saw a 27 percent increase in travelers in 2022 compared to the previous year.
The TSA said they screened about 19.79 million departing travelers at North Carolina airports in 2022.
According to the data, one firearm was found for every 79,167 passengers screened in the state.
Compared to US data
Nationwide, the TSA reported screening about 761 million passengers and crew members. This was a 30 percent increase from the estimated 585 million screened in 2021.
However, the number of guns the TSA has detected has increased across the country.
TSA officials reported that 6,542 weapons were found at US airports in 2022.
This is 570 more than what was found in 2021, which was 5,972.
According to the data, one firearm was found for every 116,394 passengers screened nationally, lower than North Carolina.
What happens to a person when a weapon is found at a checkpoint?
In addition to potential criminal penalties, the TSA said travelers face civil liability for bringing firearms through security.
They said they evaluate each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis.
Some factors include whether the weapon was loaded and whether ammunition was available.
The TSA reports that civil penalties can reach a maximum of about $15,000 per violation.
Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, agents said firearms are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
Firearms violators will also be denied trusted traveler status and expedited TSA PreCheck benefits for a period of time, according to a TSA release.
It says the period of time will depend on the seriousness of the offense and whether there are repeat offences.
How to transport a firearm
According to the TSA, firearms can be carried on commercial aircraft, but only if they are unloaded and packed in a closed, tightly sealed case in checked baggage.
During the check-in process at the airport, agents said the passenger must go to the ticket counter to declare the firearm, including ammunition and any firearm parts.
They also encourage passengers to check their destination’s gun laws and regulations to make sure they comply with local and state laws.
Airlines may have special requirements and passengers are advised to check these as well.
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Fewer weapons found at RDU checkpoints in 2022 compared to previous year, TSA says
Source link Fewer weapons found at RDU checkpoints in 2022 compared to previous year, TSA says