Transportation Security Administration officers have found a record amount of guns in carry-on luggage at the Boise Airport in 2024, according to a news release.
A TSA spokesperson noted that the figure is “significant” considering there’s more than two months left in the year.
The TSA release said that officers have found fewer firearms nationwide this year compared to 2023, so it’s unclear why Boise is bucking that trend. Only those who bring a gun to the airport can answer that question, TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers said.
“I encourage every traveler to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag to ensure they don’t make this expensive and inconvenient mistake,” Dankers said.
The consequences for this mistake can vary.
“In addition to potential criminal citations for bringing a firearm in carry-on luggage, TSA can levy a civil penalty against the traveler of up to $14,950,” the release said. “Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage.”
TSA officers at the Boise Airport found the 43rd gun of 2024 during routine screening on Monday. A passenger headed to Phoenix had a loaded Taurus G3c pistol in a carry-on bag, according to the release, and also had 10 rounds of ammunition in the bag.
There were 42 guns discovered in all of 2023.
Monday’s discovery was the ninth gun found in October, the release said.
The number of firearms found at the Boise Airport has been increasing steadily since 2019, when TSA officers found 19 guns.
It is legal to pack and transport guns for air travel, but they have to be unloaded, placed in checked luggage and declared to the airline.
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