OHIO — Nationwide, the Transportation Security Administration saw a record increase of weapons detected at airport checkpoints last year. 

What You Need To Know

  • TSA says as travel surges, more weapons are being detected 
  • So far this year, there have been 24 firearm stops in Columbus 18 in Cleveland
  • Firearm stops at checkpoints cause major delays and end with police determining if there are to be further consequences

TSA Spokesperson Jessica Mayle said they saw the number of firearm detections go down during the pandemic, but that shifted. In 2023, TSA saw a record number of firearms stopped at checkpoints. So, as they continue to monitor things this year, she said it appears they are on track to see the same numbers as they did last year. Still, they want to see that number go down.

“It's way too many firearms at checkpoints," she said. "It just creates a huge risk to passengers, and we really just want to get the word out that passengers should never be bringing a gun to the checkpoint."

Mayle went on to say that, oftentimes, passengers are forgetting they have a weapon in their bag.

“They really aren't trying to smuggle these weapons in or do anything nefarious," she said. "It's a careless mistake.”

Even so, she made it clear that the consequences and risks for carrying a weapon are still the same.

“We really want to say that responsible gun owners always know where their guns are, and no one should accidentally bring a gun to the checkpoint," she said.

Regardless, there have been about 24 firearm stops in Columbus so far and 18 in Cleveland.

“Compared to 2023, they are at exactly about 50% of where they were for their 2023 numbers, which is what you would expect,” Mayle said.

While they’re not seeing significantly higher numbers, Mayle said the challenge is still that it delays operations.

“When a gun is found in the x-ray belt, all activity stops on that lane," she said. "We called the police over. They're the ones who take possession of the weapon and decide how that traveler is going to be handled.”

From there, police determine if the individual faces criminal consequences. As the spike in travel continues to climb upward, Mayle noted they are continuously making adjustments where needed.

“We train extensively," she said. "We have technology upgrades that help us find these easier. But really what's happening is that we're just doing that education piece."

Now, TSA is looking to passengers to take on the responsibility, to know the rules and regulations for carrying a firearm. 

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