TAMPA, Fla. — In a concerning event, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confiscated 11 loaded handguns at Tampa International Airport over the Veterans Day holiday weekend.
This alarming statistic has raised concerns among both TSA officials and passengers as the Thanksgiving travel rush is here, and whether they will see a repeat.
Kirk Skinner, TSA Security Director, noted that this was a record number for such a short period since the introduction of Constitutional carry laws.
"I don't know why that happened. It had actually been going down," he said.
"That doesn't make me comfortable at all, knowing that," passenger Penny Lafitte said.
Airport officials speculate that some travelers may have packed firearms while evacuating during recent hurricanes and forgotten to remove them before travel.
Emily Nipps, a spokesperson for Tampa International Airport, highlighted the issue of forgetfulness during busy travel times and hoped they would not see similar numbers from a few weeks ago.
“That's really a question for TSA. We haven't tracked those yet. However, we do know when there's busier times that's when people start to forget that they have their weapons on them,” Nipps said.
Despite clear warnings posted at airport gates, some passengers seem to overlook these crucial security measures.
The TSA hopes this spike is an anomaly and aims to return to normal levels during the upcoming holiday season.
Violators risk missing flights, losing travel privileges and facing fines of up to $15,000.