TSA Collected 1.4 Million in Fines From Gun-Toting Passengers Last Year

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued fines totaling $1.45 million USD last year, according to a report by The Washington Post. The Washington Post obtained this information thanks to a request made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The report also revealed that the number one source of civil penalties levied by the TSA was due to passengers or crew attempting to bring firearms through security checkpoints.

More than 4,000 actions were filed against travelers or crew who attempted to bring a firearm through security checkpoints. This number includes travelers or visitors to major international airports that were found to have a loaded weapon even if they weren’t traveling. The majority of firearm-related incidents occurred at airports in the southern and western United States.

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These are just a few of the firearms that have been discovered this year in carry-on bags. Just recently, 91 firearms were discovered nationwide over one week from September 24th to the 30th. … While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage as long as you meet the packing guidelines at TSA.gov. Some airline policies may differ from TSA's, so we strongly suggest travelers contact their airline for specific firearm and ammunition policies and to check local laws related to the carrying and transport of firearms. … As a refresher, carry-on bags go into the cabin of the plane with you. Checked bags go into the cargo hold of the plane where passengers have no access. … Please note that conceal carry permits do not apply to commercial aircraft. … When firearms are discovered at the checkpoint, we contact law enforcement and they decide what happens to the traveler based on background checks, interviews and local laws. … TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,333 per violation per person for prohibited items violations and violations of other TSA regulations. Repeat violations will result in higher penalties. Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure. … TSA does not confiscate firearms. The responding Law Enforcement Officers take control of the firearm. If you're curious as to what happens to the firearms, you would need to contact local law enforcement. … #TSA #Firearms #ConcealCarry #Guns #TravelTips

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The majority of firearms found by the TSA (96%, or 3,932 firearms) were discovered by agents at screening checkpoints. 10 claims were the result of improperly packed firearms in checked luggage (it is not illegal to travel with properly packed firearms in checked bags). The TSA and law enforcement also found two firearms at Known Crew member checkpoints, checkpoints used exclusively by select airline crew members.

If 4,000 seems like a rather large number, it is. The TSA noted that there has been an increase in the number of loaded firearms confiscated at security checkpoints in the past few years. According to the TSA, an average of 76 firearms are found at checkpoints each week. This is especially concerning not only for the security implications but also due to the inconvenience a loaded firearm causes at security screening checkpoints.

Bringing a firearm into the security screening checkpoint or sterile area is quite obviously a serious offense. However, the TSA and law enforcement are somewhat limited in their ability to levy penalties on offenders. The maximum federal penalty for bringing a loaded firearm through a screening area is just $13,000, and only local law enforcement can issue criminal charges. While $13,000 is a sizable fine, it is not an extreme amount. Additionally, individuals who attempt to bring a firearm through security rarely receive jail time and arrest is not guaranteed. Nonetheless, it is a crime and can create a major inconvenience for travelers and law enforcement.

Source: thepointsguy.com