Statewide Iowa — A spokesperson for the TSA says the number of firearms found at Iowa airport security checkpoints was up in 2022.
TSA spokesperson, Jessica Mayle says 22 firearms were found in Iowa, compared to 14 in 2021.
Fifteen firearms were found at the Des Moines Airport, up six from the previous year. Six firearms were found in Cedar Rapids, one Waterloo, which was an increase of one for each airport. The nationwide number of firearms found was a record for the second year in a row.
Mayle says having a firearm in the airport is dangerous, and when one is found it can back things up.
Mayle says each city handles the process a little differently when a one is found, but you can be sure you will hear later from the TSA.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case, and declared at the airline check-in counter. Mayle says they advise you to start packing with an empty bag to avoid any mistakes.
The Atlanta airport had the most found in 2022 at 448, followed by Dallas/Fort Worth at 385 and Houston at 298.
