The Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday announced it detected a record number of guns at airport security checkpoints last year in the Baltimore and Washington areas.

According to TSA officials, officers intercepted 117 handguns in 2024, 12 more guns than the 105 that were found in 2023. Officers discovered the firearms during routine carry-on screenings.

Baltimoreled in the number of guns found, with 47 handguns caught at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), compared to the 41 found at Roland Reagan Washington National Airport and the 29 found at Washington Dulles International Airport. Each airport set a record for most firearms detected in a single year.

“None of us set out to set a record for the most guns caught in a year,” Christopher Murgia, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland said at a news conference on Wednesday. “We much prefer that travelers properly travel with firearms by packing them properly in their checked baggage and declaring their firearm to their airline for a flight.”

The TSA says travelers who bring guns to the checkpoint are subject to criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from the TSA. However, travelers with proper firearm permits can travel legally with their guns in their checked bags if they follow the guidelines.

“Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a locked hard-side case,” said Scott. T. Johnson, TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Dulles International Airport. “Ammunition must be in its original box and be packed inside the hard side case next to the firearm. Even if the box of ammunition is not full, bullets must be in their original case. The case with the firearm should be brought to the airline check-in counter to be declared with the airline representative.”

Travelers can use the “What Can I Bring?” feature on TSA’s website or the free myTSA app.

The TSA says travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or text (275-872) for real-time assistance if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item will be allowed through security in a carry-on bag.

Have a news tip? Contact Lexi Harpster at akharpster@sbgtv.com.