TSA: Orlando International Airport leads state in number of guns brought to security checkpoints

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Transportation Security Administration says they’ve continued to see a troubling trend in the number of airline passengers showing up to checkpoints with guns.

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Back in December, the TSA warned of a “surge” in passengers bringing guns to Florida’s airports as a record number of guns were reported at security checkpoints in the state for the year in 2021.

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Now, the TSA says the trend has continued into 2022 with Orlando leading the way.

According to the TSA, to-date, 195 guns have been discovered at TSA checkpoints in Florida.

Orlando International Airport tops the list with 40 so far. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is second on the list with 36.

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The TSA says a man was stopped and arrested by Orlando Police Friday after he was caught with a Taurus 9mm handgun loaded with 12 rounds.

According to the TSA, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale’s international airports typically fall in the top 10 airports across the country for violations of the federal law prohibiting guns at TSA checkpoints.

Penalties can include a loss of PreCheck privileges and civil penalties from the TSA that could exceed $13,000 regardless of whether an arrest is made.

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The TSA advises passengers to leave their guns at home or be sure to declare it to their airline at check-in. The gun should be unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case.

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