Connect with us

Augusta, GA

Augusta Regional Airport sees rise in passengers, gun seizures

Published

on

Augusta Regional Airport sees rise in passengers, gun seizures


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Regional Airport saw an increase in the number of guns found at the security checkpoint in the past six months, but that shouldn’t be a surprise since it saw many more passengers than in the same time last year.

The Transportation Security Administration intercepted nine firearms in the first half of 2024, compared to six in the same period of 2023.

The bigger news may be the increase in passengers at the airport.

The airport saw 174,165 passengers in the first half of 2024, compared to 159,547 in the first half of 2023.

Advertisement

GEORGIA AIRPORT GUN SEIZURES:

Georgia airport gun seizures
Georgia airport gun seizures(Contributed)

The number of guns found at the Augusta airport is microscopic compared to the state’s behemoth Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest.

Hartsfield-Jackson led the country in firearm detections with 222 in the first half of 2024, according to the agency. The agency said the airport screened 15 million passengers. Airport security detected 214 firearms in 13.4 million screenings in the same period last year.

The TSA says one gun was discovered for 65,828 passengers screened at Georgia airports, more than twice the national average.

Nationally, 443.1 million passengers were screened in the first six months of the year. That’s a 7% increase from last year.



Source link

Advertisement

Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

on

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

Advertisement

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Advertisement

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

on

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

Advertisement

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.



Source link

Continue Reading

Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

on

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

Advertisement

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending