Record Number Of Guns Caught At Philly International Airport In 2023

PHILADELPHIA — A new record for the most firearms caught by Transportation Security Administration officers at the Philadelphia International Airport has been set, officials said.

On Tuesday, TSA officers found the 45th firearm of 2023 in a Delaware man's backpack.

Tuesday's catch put the number of firearms caught at the airport ahead of 2022's count, which was 44.

The .357 gun was caught as the man, of Newark, Delaware, entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on his backpack, which required a closer inspection. The firearm, which was unloaded, was confiscated by the police, who cited the man on a weapons charge.

In addition to being cited by police, the man also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach as high as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.

"This individual told us that he forgot that he had his gun with him. That’s careless, inexcusable and irresponsible," Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport, said. "Let’s be clear. This is not the type of record that we are celebrating. We would much rather see fewer travelers bringing their guns to our checkpoints. Our officers are good at their jobs, good at detecting firearms and other prohibited items. Travelers need to ensure that they have no illegal or prohibited items with them before they arrive at the airport."