The Year in TSA Weapons Seizures at Texas Airports

In 2016, Transportation Security Administration screeners routinely detected more than 50 guns at U.S. airports. The 2,653 firearms discovered last year set an annual record for the TSA. North Texas residents set a high bar in 2015 when it came to bringing guns to the airport, accounting for nearly 8 percent...

By Matthew Martinez

December 14, 2016

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In 2016, Transportation Security Administration screeners routinely detected more than 50 guns at U.S. airports. The 2,653 firearms discovered last year set an annual record for the TSA.

North Texas residents set a high bar in 2015 when it came to bringing guns to the airport, accounting for nearly 8 percent of all the guns nabbed nationwide. So it's a little disappointing that DFW International this year hasn't even made the TSA's Instagram page. There, the agency updates its 596,000 followers with both individual finds and weekly posts quantifying the numbers of guns and/or knives discovered nationally.

Still, despite the absence of DFW, there have been some interesting catches at Texas airports, including some at Love Field. Here are a few Lone Star catches that the TSA social media called out for special mention.

1. Tiny .9mm at Love Field

While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This pintsized 9mm firearm was discovered recently in a carry-on bag at Dallas Love Field (DAL). #TSATravelTips

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 21, 2016 at 5:17pm PST

2. Inert Mortar Shells in Longview

#TSAGoodCatch - Two inert mortar shells were discovered in a checked bag at Longview (GGG). If an item looks like a real bomb, grenade, mine, etc., it is prohibited. When these items are found at a checkpoint or in checked baggage, they can cause significant delays because our explosives detection professionals must respond to resolve the alarm. Even if they are novelty items, you are prohibited from bringing them on board the aircraft.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Feb 23, 2016 at 5:19pm PST

3. Clips and Cutlery at Austin-Bergstrom

In addition to the normal travel necessities, this Austin (AUS) traveler brought along their firearm and cutlery set. While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. Knives can also be packed in checked baggage. #TSATravelTips

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Dec 5, 2016 at 5:45pm PST

4. Revolver at Love Field

#TSATravelTips - While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This firearm was discovered recently in a carry-on bag at Dallas (DAL).

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Aug 15, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

5. Purse Pistol in San Antonio

#TSATravelTips - Remember to take your gun out of your purse prior to traveling through the checkpoint. While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This firearm was discovered at San Antonio (SAT).

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 20, 2016 at 10:41am PDT

6. He-Man Dagger at Love Field

#TSAGoodCatch - This dagger was discovered in a carry-on bag recently at the Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). All knives are prohibited from being packed in carry-on bags.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Feb 18, 2016 at 4:41pm PST

7. A Mine

#TSAGoodCatch - This inert anti-tank landmine was discovered in a checked bag at Austin (AUS). If an item looks like a real bomb, grenade, mine, etc., it is prohibited. When these items are found at a checkpoint or in checked baggage, they can cause significant delays because our explosives detection professionals must respond to resolve the alarm. Even if they are novelty items, you are prohibited from bringing them on board the aircraft.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Mar 18, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT

8. Locked and Loaded in Amarillo

While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This loaded firearm was discovered in a purse at the Amarillo International Airport (AMA). #TSATravelTips

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 22, 2016 at 8:02pm PST

9. Hatchet Job at Love Field

A Dallas Love Field (DAL) traveler had this hatchet in their carry-on bag. Hatchets must be packed in checked baggage. #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 17, 2016 at 7:46pm PDT

10. Fun Grab Bag in Austin

A pocket knife, meat mallet, mountain climbing pick and two throwing knives were all detected in a traveler’s carry-on bag recently at Austin (AUS). While prohibited in carry-ons, these could have been packed in the traveler’s checked baggage. #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 30, 2016 at 4:29pm PDT

11. Throwing Knives at Love Field

A Dallas Love Field (DAL) traveler had these throwing knives in their carry-on bag. All knives are prohibited from carry-on bags, but may be packed in checked baggage. #TSATravelTips

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 15, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

12. This beauty at ABIA

#TSATravelTips - While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This firearm was discovered recently in a carry-on bag at the Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Apr 12, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT

13. A Survival Rifle in Austin

While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This unloaded survival rifle was discovered recently in a carry-on bag at Austin (AUS). #TSATravelTips

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Oct 24, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT

14. Mini-Ruger in San Antonio

While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This firearm was discovered recently in a carry-on bag at San Antonio (SAT).

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:14am PDT

15. #HandCannon in Austin

This #handcannon was discovered in a carry-on bag at Austin (AUS). It fires both .45 caliber rounds as well as .410 shotgun shells. While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. #tsagoodcatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 21, 2016 at 11:00am PDT

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Matt Martinez is a DFW-lifer who handles the Observer's editorial social media channels when he's not waxing cynical in our news, food and music verticals. Rest assured, he hates your favorite team. Matt studied journalism at the University of Texas and then again, for some reason, at UNT. He has written for the Austin Chronicle, the Denton Record-Chronicle and currently writes sports for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Contact: Matthew Martinez

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