Firearm detections at Detroit Metro Airport fell by 37% in 2024, reflecting national trends in reduced firearm incidents at TSA checkpoints.
Firearm Incidents Drop Significantly at DTW
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a sharp decline in firearms detected at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in 2024. Officers intercepted 60 firearms at security checkpoints, a significant drop from the 96 detected in 2023, marking a 37.5% decrease.
This reduction reflects a national trend, with TSA officers detecting a total of 6,678 firearms at checkpoints across the United States in 2024, a slight decline from 6,737 in 2023. Nationwide, 94% of the firearms detected were loaded, posing a serious risk to public safety.
“Prepare, Pack, Declare” Campaign Shows Results
TSA attributes the decline to ongoing public awareness efforts, including the “Prepare, Pack, Declare” campaign, which educates travelers on the proper procedures for transporting firearms.
“Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint presents a safety concern to the traveling public and can be avoided by reviewing the contents of your carry-on luggage before arriving,” said Reggie Stephens, Michigan TSA Federal Security Director.
Stephens emphasized that firearm incidents at checkpoints delay screenings and pose a risk to everyone in the area. He reminded travelers that firearms must be unloaded, packed in checked baggage, and declared at the airline check-in counter.
Firearm Detection Rates Below National Average
At DTW, TSA screened approximately 13.5 million passengers and crew in 2024. Firearm detection rates were 4.5 per million passengers, lower than the national average of 7.4 firearms per million passengers.
Michigan Airport Statistics
The decline in firearm incidents extended beyond Detroit. Statewide data shows mixed trends, with most major airports maintaining relatively stable firearm detection rates:
| Airport | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Metro (DTW) | 60 | 96 | 100 | 94 | 44 |
| Gerald R. Ford Int’l (GRR) | 19 | 19 | 12 | 22 | 12 |
| Flint Bishop (FNT) | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Cherry Capital (TVC) | 5 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
Consequences for Violations
When firearms are detected at security checkpoints, TSA officers immediately contact local law enforcement. Passengers may face citations or arrests depending on local laws. In addition, TSA imposes civil penalties of up to $15,000 and revokes TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years.
To ensure compliance, TSA urges travelers to familiarize themselves with federal and state firearm transport laws and check airline-specific requirements.
Broader Context of National Trends
The 2024 firearm detection rate was one firearm per 135,383 passengers screened, reflecting slight progress in addressing this recurring issue. Despite these improvements, TSA officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and proper firearm handling by passengers.
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