WASHINGTON – Transportation Security Administration officials say they have found over 1,400 loaded weapons and other dangerous devices while screening carry-on luggage at U.S. airports so far in 2014.
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the component of the Department of Homeland Security that interacts with the public the most,” a TSA official said Wednesday. “Less well known is the actual difference TSA makes daily to aviation security.”
Approximately 1.8 million people a day are screened by TSA before boarding an aircraft in this country.
Just within the first 10 months of this calendar year, TSA has discovered a total of 1,855 firearms in the carry-on baggage of those about to board an aircraft; 1,471 of which were loaded. In the same period a total, a total of 3,048 firearms, firearm components, replica firearms, stun guns, and other similar dangerous objects have been discovered by TSA from passengers in their carry-on luggage. Last week alone, TSA discovered 41 firearms (34 of which were loaded), 16 stun guns, four replica grenades, a 13-inch cane sword, and a box-cutter found concealed in the lining of a carry-on bag. When firearms are discovered by TSA, they are turned over to local law enforcement authorities, resulting in an arrest in about 20 percent of the cases (see the images that accompany this statement).
“This is an example of the good work the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security perform on behalf of the American people,” the official said.
