DES MOINES, Iowa — 13 guns have been intercepted at security checkpoints in the Des Moines International Airport so far this year, the Transportation Security Administration announced Tuesday.
That's an increase from 2023, when seven guns total were detected at the airport for the entire year. With three months left to go in 2024, it's likely DSM will at least double last year's count.
TSA data shows more than 5,000 guns were detected at airport security checkpoints across the U.S., this year. As of Sept. 30, TSA estimates it has intercepted an average of 18.3 guns per day. An overwhelming majority of those guns, 93%, were loaded.
"TSA is committed to keeping travelers, our officers, and airport employees safe, and the number of firearms being discovered at airport security checkpoints remains a significant challengem," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement. "Each firearm brought to a checkpoint, whether by accident or on purpose, presents a threat to other passengers and our employees, and causes delays for the traveler with the firearm."
Guns are strictly banned at airport security checkpoints. Passengers who are traveling with a gun must comply with the following rules:
- Store the gun unloaded in a locked, hard-sized case
- Place the gun in a checked bag
- Declare the gun to the airline at the ticket counter
For more information on traveling with a gun, visit the TSA website.
