TSA finds record number of guns at Phoenix Sky Harbor checkpoints

PHOENIX — A record number of firearms have been detected at security checkpoints through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport so far this year.

Transportation Security Administration agents at Sky Harbor have found 177 guns inside carry-on bags while screening passengers as of Monday, surpassing the previous record of 130 set in 2019.

Last year, 123 guns were found. However, there were fewer passengers than previous years due to the pandemic.

“That’s not a good record to hold,” said Patricia Mancha, TSA spokesperson in Arizona. “We want to remind people you can travel with your firearm, just do it the way that it’s supposed to be.”

Travelers are required to pack their unloaded guns in a locked, hard-sided container that goes inside a checked bag, not a carry-on. They also must declare each gun to the airline as they’re checking in their luggage.

Replica and toy guns also need to go inside checked baggage. The same goes for ammunition, which must be securely boxed or included in the same hard-sided, locked case as the firearm.

“Every time someone brings a prohibited item – like a firearm – to the security checkpoint, what happens is the inspection stops and local law enforcement is called,” Mancha said, adding that the traveler likely misses their flight.

Here are some other items you’re not allowed to have in your carry-on. pic.twitter.com/3F6MCzZEDs

— Griselda Zetino (@GriseldaZetino) December 10, 2021

Bringing firearms and other weapons to an airport security checkpoint can result in a federal civil penalty that requires thousands of dollars be paid, depending on the offense.

Earlier this year, Phoenix Sky Harbor ranked fourth in the nation for the most guns detected by TSA agents at security checkpoints.

Mancha said it’s unclear where the airport ranks now because the numbers are still being tallied.

“We hope that during the rest of December, our passengers in phoenix are aware of the rules and don’t put us up on that top list,” she said.

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