NYTimes: Guns Found at Airport Checkpoints Are On Track to Break Record

T.S.A. at airport security has encountered over 4,600 guns so far this year, 87% of which were loaded. This terrifying statistic is thought to be a culmination of pre-pandemic rates of air travel, coupled with an upsurge in gun sales. When such an incident occurs, T.S.A passes the situation over to law enforcement, and although the person cannot be charged with a crime, they could receive up to $14,000 in fines. The actual penalty varies by state and aligns closely with the state’s general feelings towards firearms. However, guns that are checked at security are not the only ones making their way through airports. It is legal for firearms to travel in checked bags, so long as they are unloaded and in a hard case. Some experts suggest that people are bringing more guns to airports because there are more first-time gun owners than ever, who may not be familiar with the laws. As such, they stress the importance of gun owners educating themselves on the rules of carrying such a dangerous weapon. To read the full article, click here. To read more about gun violence, click here.