AUGUSTA, Ga. – The number of firearms seized from travelers at Augusta Regional Airport hit a new record in 2024, continuing a concerning upward trend over the past several years. TSA officers confiscated 17 guns from passengers at the airport last year, a sharp increase from the previous year’s total of 12, and a significant rise from just 2 in 2020. This marks a steady escalation in firearm seizures at the airport, with totals growing year by year—from 5 in 2021 to 9 in 2022 and 12 in 2023.

While Augusta’s numbers remain small compared to those at Georgia’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which led the nation with 440 gun seizures in 2024, the local airport’s record reflects a broader trend across the state. In total, TSA officers in Georgia discovered 498 firearms in carry-on luggage last year, a number that continues to alarm officials.

Georgia’s detection rate for firearms also far exceeded the national average. For every 67,797 passengers screened, TSA officers found one firearm, nearly double the national rate of one firearm per 135,384 passengers. In total, TSA screened approximately 33.7 million passengers at Georgia airports in 2024, marking a 10.6% increase over the previous year.

Mark Howell, TSA regional spokesperson, highlighted the importance of proper firearm handling for travelers. “If you’re traveling with a gun, you must declare it to your airline at check-in,” Howell explained. “You’ll need to fill out a form and the gun will be properly checked onto the plane.” He stressed that attempting to bring a firearm through security comes with severe consequences, including fines up to nearly $15,000, a potential loss of TSA PreCheck eligibility for five years, and enhanced security screenings for future flights.

Despite the growing number of firearms detected, Howell noted that the overall rate of firearm seizures has decreased slightly from the previous year. “It feels like we’re starting to turn a corner, but it’s too early to consider it a success,” he said, referencing the 440 firearms found at Hartsfield-Jackson. “We’re still seeing far too many guns at checkpoints.”

TSA officials continue to stress the dangers of firearms making it to security checkpoints. Howell recalled a particularly unsettling incident a few years ago in Atlanta, where a firearm discharged inside the checkpoint, underscoring the serious safety risks involved. “Even if it’s an honest mistake, saying ‘Oops, I forgot it was in my bag’ is no excuse,” Howell said. “A firearm in a checkpoint is a safety concern, and we don’t want those weapons onboard aircraft.”

With growing concerns over firearm safety, Howell reiterated that TSA is committed to ensuring the safety of all passengers. However, the rising trend of firearm discoveries at Georgia airports highlights the need for travelers to remain vigilant and aware of the strict regulations surrounding gun transportation.