The US Transportation Security Agency has announced that it has seized a record number of firearms at US airports. In total, more than 6,000 firearms have been confiscated from travelers at airports across the country, who cannot travel with a gun in their hand luggage. As a result, the agency announced on Friday, December 16, to increase the fine provided for in these cases.
With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki
Americans want to have their guns all over them, and airports are no exception. Despite the security rules in place, some travelers do not hesitate to try their luck to put their firearms in their hand luggage.
Result: the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) says it has seized 6,300 firearms since the start of the year – a record and a 10% increase from 2021.
And almost all of these weapons were loaded, say the authorities. Atlanta and Dallas airports come out on top.
In principle, weapons are only permitted in checked baggage, provided they are unloaded and placed in a secure box, and the owner notifies the airline in advance.
Faced with the constant progression of these seizures at airports, the TSA has therefore announced an increase in the fine provided for: it goes from 13,900 to 14,950 dollars (13,114 euros to 14,104 euros). But the agency acknowledges that these fines are rarely applied and are not dissuasive. Earlier this year, the agency asked Congress for stricter measures.
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