TSA keeps finding loaded guns in Tri-Cities carry-on bags. Here’s how many

The Transportation Security Administration found 10 guns at airport security checkpoints at the Tri-Cities Airport in 2019.

They were among 4,432 discovered in carry-on bags nationwide, according to a recent tally by the agency.

The Pasco airport was one of the 278 of the 440 airports with TSA agents where firearms were found at security checkpoints.

At the Tri-Cities Airport, one of the firearms, a .40-caliber Glock, had a round chambered.

Nationwide 1,507 of the guns found had a bullet in the chamber ready to be fired.

All but two guns found at the Tri-Cities Airport were loaded.

The firearms in Pasco included three 9 mm-caliber pistols and three .380-caliber pistols. There also were two .22-caliber guns and one .40-caliber pistol.

Nationally, it was a record-high year for firearms found at U.S. airport security checkpoints.

TSA finds more firearms

An average of 12 firearms were found each day, which was a 5 percent increase over 2018.

The most firearms — 323 — were found at the airport in Atlanta, Ga., followed by 217 at the Dallas airport and 140 in Denver.

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and may only be transported in checked baggage.

If TSA finds a gun not declared as part of checked baggage, civil penalties of up to $13,333 per violation are possible and travelers also may be arrested.

TSA recommends that travelers check their bags before heading to the airport.

The most common explanation it hears when prohibited items — including firearms, ammunition, knives and razor blades — are found at security checkpoints is “I forgot it was in my bag,” according to TSA.

Nationwide, TSA agents also found samurai swords, a replica rocket-propelled grenade and a blow dart gun in 2019.

This story was originally published January 23, 2020 at 12:57 PM.