We knew it was coming, but now it is official:
According to the Transportation Security Administration, a record setting 3,957 firearms were found in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country during 2017.
That’s a 16.7 percent increase (556 more) over the 3,391 firearms found in 2016, an average of 76.1 firearms per week and an average of 10. 8 firearms each day.
Of the firearms found during 2017, 84 percent (3,324) were loaded and 34.8 percent (1,378) had a round chambered.
Firearms were found at 239 airports, with the most in any one month (31) discovered in August at Hartsfield-Jackson Altanta International Airport.
Top 10 Airports For Firearm Discoveries In 2017:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): 245 (222 Loaded)
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW): 211 (165 Loaded)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport – Houston (IAH): 142 (124 Loaded)
Denver International (DEN): 118 (102 Loaded)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX): 115 (109 Loaded)
Tampa International (TPA): 97 (90 Loaded)
Orlando International Airport (MCO): 94 (82 Loaded)
Dallas Love Field (DAL): 93 (81 Loaded)
Nashville International (BNA): 89 (71 Loaded)
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA): 75 (60 Loaded)