Orlando, Melbourne airports set record for firearm interceptions
Orlando International Airport had more firearms intercepted in 2022 at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints than any other airport in Florida.
According to data released by the TSA, 854 guns, a 28 percent increase over the previous year, were intercepted across the state with 162 of them coming from the Orlando airport.
While Orlando was number one, Melbourne Orlando International, one of 14 Florida airports to have a record number of fire arms discoveries in 2022, had six firearms intercepted.
Sari Koshetz, a TSA spokesperson, said Orlando has seen 27 weapons discovered including one found Wednesday morning and the Melbourne airport has had one firearm intercepted so far this year. Across the state, 115 firearms have been intercepted at Florida airports so far in 2023.
According to a TSA press release, nearly every one of these guns was loaded and most had ammunition chambered.
“An accidental discharge could result in tragedy,” said Koshetz. “Every passenger bares the responsibility of knowing exactly where their gun is before entering the federal security checkpoint and that must not be on their person or in their carry-on.”
Many of these passengers were arrested or issued notices to appear in court.
Passengers face a civil penalty from the TSA that can reach $15,000 and that is imposed regardless of whether the individual is arrested by TSA’s law enforcement partners. If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time, possibly permanently.
“If you are going to travel with your gun it must be in your checked bag, but be sure you know exactly what the gun laws are on each side of your trip or you may be heading to jail,” Koshetz added. “Guns may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.”
Another central Florida airport where guns were intercepted in the checkpoints in 2022 was Orlando Sanford International (SFB) with eight guns. Koshetz says that while Orlando Sanford might not have set an annual record, "any number over zero is a dangerous number. ”
Every year Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando are typically in the top 10 or 11 airports across the country for passengers violating federal law by bringing guns to the TSA checkpoints.
Tips for getting through the TSA checkpoint
Tip 1: No guns in carry-ons. Firearms must be in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the gun laws are on both sides of your trip.
Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own bag before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” link on TSA.gov.
Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. Follow the liquids, gels and aerosols 3-1-1 rule of 3.4 ounces or less for each item and the items should be placed in a one-quart-sized bag, one per passenger, if you are traveling with a carry-on bag. Also empty your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin.
Tip 4: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Orlando, Melbourne airports set record for firearms discoveries
