TAMPA — In a sign that more people are traveling with firearms, the Transportation Security Administration discovered four loaded handguns in separate incidents at Tampa International Airport checkpoints Tuesday.
That's the most handguns found in a single day at the airport, said Mark J. Howell, a TSA spokesman.
"It's a simple equation," Howell said. "We've got more people traveling than ever and you also have more people carrying guns. More guns plus more people traveling equals more guns at airports. What we're trying to do is educate people about the right way to travel with guns.
The busy day started at 10 a.m., when security personnel found a Glock .45 caliber pistol in a passenger's carry-on bag, according to a TSA news release. About two hours later, security officers discovered a Kel-Tec .380 pistol in another carry-on bag.
Then, at 2:30, security staff found a loaded Glock .380 and, two hours later, a Ruger .380.
In each of the incidents, staff immediately alerted airport police, who took possession of the bags and escorted the passengers out of the checkpoint area.
The day served as a reminder that firearms found on passengers or in their carry-ons at U.S. airports is increasing each year.
In 2005, TSA officers discovered 660 guns in security lines at U.S. airports. That number has grown steadily since, to 3,391 in 2016.
At Tampa International Airport, officers found 79 guns last year, up from 49 the previous year. So far in 2017 officers have found 34 firearms, on pace to exceed last year's total.
About 80 to 90 percent of the guns discovered are loaded, Howell said.
It's legal for concealed carry permit holders to leave a gun in checked bags, but the weapon must be in a locked, hard-shell case and the traveler must notify the airline.
A person who brings a gun through airport security can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the offender doesn't have a permit, the person is typically arrested on the spot, airport police have told the Tampa Bay Times.
Nearly all cases involve people who have licenses and say they forgot. In these cases, officers escort the person out of the airport to secure the weapon in a vehicle or pass it off to a friend or family member.
There could be more serious consequences than missing a flight.
The incidents are reported to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which issues concealed carry permits and could take action against someone who brings a gun to an airport.
TSA also can levy a civil penalty of up to $11,000.
Contact Tony Marrero at tmarrero@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3374. Follow @tmarrerotimes.