The Transportation Security Administration has reported a significant increase in the number of firearms confiscated at airport security checkpoints in Upstate New York. In 2022, TSA officers stopped 23 handguns at Upstate New York airport security checkpoints, compared to 19 in 2021. This trend is consistent with the national statistics, as TSA officers detected 6,542 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the country, a significant spike from the 5,972 in 2021.
Bart Johnson, TSA Federal Security Director for Upstate New York, stated, “I commend the officers who have continued to perform their security duties at the highest level. Our officers remain vigilant and focused on their mission to ensure that travelers get to their destinations safely.”
Albany International Airport had the highest number of firearms confiscated at its checkpoints in Upstate New York, with seven firearms caught in 2022, an increase from five in 2021. Syracuse Hancock International Airport had six firearms confiscated, double the amount from the previous year. Greater Rochester International Airport caught three firearms, one more than in 2021, and Elmira Corning Regional Airport stopped two firearms, the same amount as in 2021.
The TSA has reported a significant increase in the number of firearms confiscated at airport security checkpoints since 2012, with only 1,556 caught a decade ago. In 2022, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport had the most firearms caught by TSA at checkpoints with 448.
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