Augusta, GA
Augusta airport sees small increase in seized guns; Atlanta leads U.S.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Regional Airport saw an increase in guns seized at the security checkpoint last year, but it’s tiny compared to Atlanta’s airport, which leads the nation.
The Transportation Security Administration released figures Thursday for guns seized in Georgia airports in 2023.
The agency says officers at Georgia airports discovered a total of 496 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in 2023, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leading the country at 451 found.
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Each of the firearms was discovered by TSA officers during the routine screening of carry-on property at airport security checkpoints, according to TSA.
Statewide in 2023, TSA screened approximately 23.1 million departing travelers at Georgia airports, matching the national increase of 12.7% over the total screened in 2022, according to the report.
Here’s a breakdown of TSA firearm discoveries for the past five years at Georgia airports:
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