(WTAQ-WLUK) — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped 18 handguns at Wisconsin airport security checkpoints in the first half of the year.
“As summer travel ramps up, we continue to see far too many passengers bringing firearms to the checkpoint,” Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said. “This is a careless, expensive mistake that introduces unnecessary risk into the crowded checkpoint environment. We hope to see these figures decline in the second half of the year.”
Firearms found by TSA at Wisconsin airport checkpoints, Jan.1-June 30, 2023
- Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE): 10
- Appleton International (ATW): 5
- Green Bay Austin Straubel Field (GRB): 1
- Dane County Regional (MSN): 2
And in the first week of July, officials say the figures continue to climb. Firearms were detected on July 4 in Milwaukee and July 6 in Appleton.
In the same time period in 2022, 12 firearms were stopped at airports in the state of Wisconsin.
Nationwide, TSA officers intercepted 3,251 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first half of 2023. The total represents an average 18 firearms per day at TSA checkpoints of which more than 92% were loaded. This is an increase from the first half of 2022 when officers stopped 3,053 firearms at security checkpoints of which more than 86% were loaded.
The number of firearm catches nationwide during the first half of 2023 represents a 6% increase over the same period in 2022. However, over the same period, passenger volume at checkpoints increased 15%, showing the rate at which passengers brought firearms to airport checkpoints declined in 2023. As of June 30, 2023, TSA stopped about eight firearms per million passengers. During the first half of calendar year 2022, TSA prevented 8.5 firearms per million passengers.
When passengers bring firearms to the TSA security checkpoint, TSOs contact local law enforcement to check the contents of the carry-on bag, safely unload and take possession of the firearm and process the passenger in accordance with local laws on firearms. TSA will impose a civil penalty up to $14,950, eliminate TSA PreCheck eligibility for five years and may require enhanced screening. Some passengers will be arrested or cited, depending on local laws on firearms.
TSA recommends that passengers pack an empty bag. Prior to packing an empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. The most common prohibited items at TSA checkpoints are oversized liquids under the liquids, gels and aerosols rule.
