Hartsfield-Jackson Leads Nation in Confiscated Firearms
Courtesy: TSA
Wednesday morning proved eventful for Transportation Security Administration screeners at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
That’s because in two separate instances, passengers arrived at the security checkpoint with a gun in their carry-on luggage.
It’s a trend officials say is growing at airports across the nation, but no where is it happening more than here in Atlanta.
To hear an audio version of this story, click the 'Listen' icon above.
Of the 1,549 firearms TSA agents found on passengers last year, about 100 were confiscated at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Compare that to New York’s JFK, where agents seized just one. 
TSA officials don’t believe the increase is related to terrorism. Most people claim they simply forgot about the gun in their carry-on.
But that memory lapse can lead to a big headache.
“The standard procedure at Hartsfield-Jackson is that the airport police will arrest the individual and they’ll be taken to the Clayton Co. jail,” says Atlanta-based TSA spokesman Jon Allen
That’s on top of civil penalties that can amount to $7,500 for carrying a loaded gun, Allen says.
The TSA says most firearms are allowed on planes, but only when declared and carried in checked baggage.
9(MDAxODM0MDY4MDEyMTY4NDA3MzI3YjkzMw004))
Top Stories
