SC airport security checkpoints saw increase of firearm discoveries in 2022
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at SC airports reported 79 firearms were found in travelers' carry-on luggage in 2022 during security checkpoint screenings.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)— Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at SC airports reported 79 firearms were found in travelers’ carry-on luggage in 2022 during security checkpoint screenings.
The discovery of the firearms set a new annual record for the state. South Carolina airports have seen one firearm for every 82,819 passengers screened, a higher rate compared to nationwide, say officials.
Individuals can transport firearms on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage.
Travelers face a civil penalty of up to $15,000 per violation if they carry a firearm in their carry-on luggage, according to TSA.
In addition, during the check-in process passengers need to declare the firearm at the airline ticket counter.
Replica firearms are prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be stored in a checked luggage.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International, and Charleston International all reported record firearm detentions last year.
Below is a breakdown of TSA firearm discoveries for the past five years at South Carolina
airports:
For more information about TSA, please visit their website at tsa.gov.
