CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at North Carolina airports found a total of 130 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage during the first half of 2023. This is a statewide increase when compared to data from the first half of 2022 that was provided by the TSA.
Officers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport discovered 66 firearms before June 30. That’s three times the number found at that airport last year.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport also saw an increase with 39 firearms found so far this year, in comparison to last year’s 34.
The number of firearms found in carry-on bags is rising across the country. According to data from the TSA, there was a 6% increase nationwide for firearms discovered in carry-on bags.
A total of 3,251 firearms were found before June 30 of this year. This figure represents an average of 18 firearms discovered per day. And 92% of firearms discovered were loaded.
For those who do wish to travel with a firearm, they must be stored in a checked bag, not a carry-on. All firearms and ammunition must be declared at the airline’s ticket counter and follow additional airline-specific requirements. Concealed carry permits will not allow for the firearm to be brought through TSA security or onboard the aircraft.
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