TSA report examines increase in firearm discoveries at Georgia airports

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) report determined firearm discoveries at Georgia airports increased in 2021.

Per the analysis, officers at Georgia airports discovered 542 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage last year, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport surpassing a national single-airport record with 507 firearms found at checkpoints.

TSA authorities indicated personnel screened 21.98 million departing travelers at Georgia airports, representing a nearly 94 percent increase over the total screened in 2020.

Additionally, the report showed that nationally, a firearm was detected for every 97,999 passengers screened. In Georgia, the rate was more than double the national rate – as one firearm was discovered for every 40,570 passengers screened.

Potential criminal citations aside, officials maintain travelers also face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint, adding TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis. TSA factors considered when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition.

Per the TSA, the civil penalty can go up to a maximum of $13,900 per violation.

The TSA noted travelers can access the agency’s website or the TSA mobile app, myTSA, to learn more about the “Can I Bring?” feature or travelers can Tweet or Message “@AskTSA” if they have a travel question or are uncertain if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag.