Charlotte Douglas Airport Leads North Carolina For Most Firearms Found So Far In 2023
According to a press release, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have discovered a total of 130 firearms at North Carolina airports in the first half of 2023. These firearms were discovered in travelers’ carry-on luggage. And, as the state’s largest airport Charlotte Douglas International had the most firearms discovered of any airport in the state. A total of 66 were found that’s up from 52 in the same time period last year. 39 were found at Raleigh Durham International.
Most of these are probably accidental, though I have a hard time understanding how you could accidentally bring a gun to the airport. Maybe I just pack incredibly organized and strategically, but I know every single item I’m putting in my luggage. Maybe just maybe I’d put something that is borderline liquid in the wrong bag. But a firearm? I’d notice that. But what happens if a TSA officer discovered a firearm in carry-on luggage? The image will be shown on the xRay screen and airport law enforcement agents are immediately contacted. From there the law enforcement personnel will safely remove the firearm. They will then engage with the traveler to whom it belongs.
There are of course potential criminal consequences on the table. But additionally, travelers could face civil penalties as well. Incidents are handled on a case-by-case basis according to TSA. This can include whether the firearm was loaded, or if ammunition is available to the traveler. There is no circumstance where civilians can travel with any type of firearm in carry-on luggage. If the violator has TSA Precheck that benefit will be revoked for a period of time reflective of the severity of the violation.
Nationwide in the first half of 2023, 3,251 firearms have been discovered in carry-on luggage at US airports. In the same time period last year 3,053 were found. You can read the breakout for each North Carolina airport here. If you’re traveling through Charlotte Douglas or any airport in the world, just triple check you don’t have your firearms with you. It’s not worth it. Safe and happy travels!
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