BOISE, Idaho — A new record for the number of firearms found in carry-on luggage at the Boise Airport has been set in 2024.
In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said officers found 43 guns in carry-on luggage at the Boise Airport (BOI), breaking the previous record of 42 guns found in 2023.
Each gun was discovered during routine X-ray screening at the security checkpoint, officials said.
TSA said the latest was found around 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, when officers found a loaded Taurus G3c pistol in a carry-on bag for a traveler heading to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Officials said the traveler had 10 rounds loaded and had an extra 10 rounds in the carry-on bag.
TSA said officers have found a total of nine guns in the month of October alone at BOI.
Travelers who bring a firearm in carry-on luggage can face a stiff federal financial civil penalty, punishable by a fine of up to $14,950, depending on the circumstances.
"Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition," TSA said in a news release. "Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage."
According to TSA at BOI, passengers may only travel with a firearm if it meets the following criteria:
- May travel in checked baggage only.
- Gun must be unloaded.
- Firearm must be packed in a hard-sided, locked case.
- The locked case should be placed in a checked bag.
- Airline employee must be informed of the gun at the airline ticket counter.
Find more on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on the TSA website here.
