USA: At airport security checkpoints in the United States last year, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents seized a record 6,542 firearms. With the exception of 2020, which was disrupted by the pandemic, the number of firearms discovered at US airports has increased every year since 2010.

TSA administrator David Pekoske told the Associated Press that "what we see in our checkpoints really reflects what we're seeing in society, and in society there are more people carrying firearms these days" (AP).

In spite of this, analysis of the recent spate of gun seizures reveals that, in most cases, the person who had a firearm on them or in their luggage when they were flagged by security simply forgot about it.

Also Read: President: Taiwan is strengthening military ties with the US.

According to retired TSA agent Keith Jeffries, "it's disruptive no matter what," and the finding of a gun on an x-ray machine can cause other passengers to be significantly delayed while the problem is resolved. You should know where your gun is, for crying out loud, because it is a dangerous and illegal item.

Depending on state or local laws, a person trying to carry a weapon past airport security may be subject to punishment whether or not they are aware of its presence. Others are permitted to pass a weapon to a companion who isn't travelling with them on the flight, while some may be arrested and have their gun confiscated.

In states with more lax gun laws, the majority of firearms found at US airports last year were discovered. Six of the ten airports with the most firearm interceptions last year were located in Florida or Texas, and three of them.

Also Read:  Trans prisoner worries that transitioning to a male prison "wouldn't survive"

46% of American households, according to a recent University of Chicago study, have at least one gun. Currently, it's thought that there are about 466 million firearms in the United States.

Also Read:  Meta will implement a paid subscription model

Arden Hudson, director of federal security for the TSA, advised Americans to be sure "exactly what the gun laws are on each side of your trip" if they intend to travel with a gun. The gun must be in a checked bag.