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Transportation Security Administration officers have seized 62 firearms at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in 2020, the agency announced Monday.
The TSA has detected more than 1,700 firearms at airports throughout the U.S., 84% of which were loaded, according to a press release.
“If a gun is brought to the TSA screening checkpoint, the passenger may face a civil penalty that can exceed $13,000 and the fine is imposed even if you are not arrested or cited by our law enforcement partners,” TSA Federal Security Director for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Jerry Agnew said in the release.
“In order to maintain social distancing and not have to face a bag search, passengers are reminded to know precisely what is in their bags before leaving for the airport.”
The TSA said it reviews the circumstances of gun seizure incidents on a case-by-case basis and determines whether or not to level a civil penalty based on a variety of factors including if the firearm was loaded and if ammunition was easily accessible.
In addition to potential civil penalties, travelers who violate rules regarding firearms will have their Trusted Traveler status and TSA Precheck expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time determined by the seriousness of the offense.
TSA officers at Sky Harbor Airport seized the 61st and 62 firearms of 2020 on Thursday.
A loaded .40 caliber Glock with 13 rounds of ammunition and a loaded 9mm SIG Sauer with eight rounds of ammunition were found by TSA officers in travelers’ carry-on luggage during x-ray screening, according to a press release.
There is currently no evidence linking the two incidents.
Click here to read the full press release.
