Denver International Airport sets record for number of guns seized

Transportation Security Administration officers at Denver International Airport have set a new record and been ranked sixth nationally for firearms found at their three security checkpoints.

TSA said that in 2021, officers discovered 141 firearms in carry-on luggage at DIA. Every firearm found was discovered during a routine X-ray screening of all carry-on luggage. Denver’s previous high was 140, set in 2019.

“Travelers bringing firearms in carry-on luggage is not new and we have now reached an unacceptable level of carelessness by gun owners. Simply stated, one gun in carry-on luggage is one too many,” Larry Nau, TSA federal security director for Colorado, said in a statement.

“We are asking all gun owners to take a few minutes to reacquaint yourself with the procedures for traveling with firearms and the importance of being aware of everything you transport in your carry-on luggage before you come to the airport.”

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport topped the list with 507 firearms seized. It was followed by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (317), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (245), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (196) and Nashville International Airport (163). 

Travelers caught with firearms at an airport security checkpoint face criminal and civil penalties. Passengers who possess a concealed carry permit must check their unloaded weapons in a hard-sided case.