TSA Data Reveals Agents Find a Gun at Orlando Airport Security Every Other Day

Despite the luxuries and technologies we’re fortunate enough to experience in this day and age, traveling can still be a nightmare. Commercial air travel has come a long way since the days of the first powered flight but that doesn’t mean we’re not still working out the kinks.

Orlando International Airport

This is especially true when it comes to having to go through security and dealing with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), whose job it is to keep us secure in airports and on flights. And, new data shows that the TSA has confiscated more firearms from Orlando International Airport (MCO) than any other airport in Florida — and many in the United States.

A new report from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reveals that Orlando International Airport (MCO) was ranked among the top 10 with the most firearms found in carry-on bags throughout 2023. The TSA said it intercepted a 6,737 guns at 265 different security checkpoints in the United States — surpassing the previous year’s record of 6,542.

Orlando Airport

MCO is ranked 7th on the list with 164 firearms confiscated throughout 2023. Tampa International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports followed with 144 and 135 found weapons, respectively.

The TSA report showed that 93% of the guns found were loaded, as well.

©TSA

Now, we don’t want to alarm you too much, here. Many of the owners of these weapons were legally allowed to carry them in Florida — but not onto an airplane. And there’s no evidence that anyone trying to board an airplane last year at Orlando Airport was carrying a firearm with malintent. But we were surprised at how common this is — we did the math, and it happens just about every other day.

Here’s a look at the top 10 airports with the most confiscated firearms in 2023:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – 451
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport – 378
George Bush Intercontinental Airport – 311
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – 235
Nashville International Airport – 188
Denver International Airport – 178
Orlando International Airport – 164
Tampa International Airport – 144
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport – 135
Dallas Love Field – 125

©TSA

“We are still seeing far too many firearms at TSA checkpoints, and what’s particularly concerning is the amount of them loaded, presenting an unnecessary risk to everyone at the TSA checkpoint,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a press release. “Firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage. Passengers are only allowed to travel with an unloaded firearm, and only if they pack it properly in a locked, hard-sided case in their checked baggage and first declare it to the airline at the check-in counter.”

Orlando International Airport

Click Orlando reports that when a firearm is found at a TSA checkpoint, the officers immediately notify local law enforcement who then remove the passenger from the checkpoint area. Local laws may dictate the law enforcement officer may arrest or cite the passenger.

Not only that, but bringing a firearm through a TSA checkpoint can lead to a civil penalty “up to approximately $15,000” and can also revoke any TSA PreCheck eligibility for at least five years.