More guns have been seized at Hartsfield-Jackson International’s security checkpoints in 2018 than at any other airport in the U.S., setting a record for 2018 before the year is even out. A total of 293 firearms have been found in carry-on bags and as improperly packed or undeclared guns in checked luggage so far this year. The TSA reports that 80 to 90 percent of them are loaded.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta airport has held the top spot in the U.S. for guns discovered at checkpoints for the past two years. Last year, a record 245 guns were discovered at Atlanta airport checkpoints.
Guns caught at checkpoints result in penalties for offenders, even if it’s their first offense, including a civil TSA penalty of up to $13,333. Repeat offenders could be charged with a federal misdemeanor, punishable with up to a $100,000 fine and a year in jail.