When you learn what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prevented from coming aboard U.S. flights last year, you might not complain the next time you walk through an?airport scanner.
In an annual review released on Jan. 23, TSA says it collected 2,212 guns (83 percent of which were loaded) in 2014, a new record high. That’s an average of six firearms a day from passengers attempting to board commercial flights. The seizures occurred at 224 U.S. airports, but most frequently at southern metropolitan locations.
Last year had more passengers, TSA notes ? 653 million in 2014 – but that’s only a 2.3-percent growth. The number of guns seized last year, though, was 22 percent greater from 2013’s total.
TSA captured more than just firearms last year, too. Gunpowder, a flare gun, various explosives, over 700 stun guns, and even hand grenades were seized.
Then there were the hidden and disguised weapons. Knives in shoes and belts. Sword canes were frequently found, TSA says. Blades disguised as pens and highlighters. Even this classic in the image below ? an 8.5? blade wrapped up in an enchilada.
This annual recap of weapons prevented from on-board presence could help TSA improve its public reception. While a 54-percent majority of Americans approved of its security measures in a 2012 poll, some still complain that the body-scanning devices used in airports violate the 4th Amendment protection from unlawful search and seizure.
The new year of 2015 could be another record-breaker in airport gun collection, too. In just the week of Jan. 9-15, TSA says it collected 43 handguns, 33 of which were loaded, from carry-on baggage.
