More guns than national average caught at Salt Lake airport

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Fewer travelers at Salt Lake City International Airport were caught trying to carry on guns through airport security last year, but transportation officials say the rate of gun-toting passengers is still higher in Salt Lake City than the national average.

The Transportation Security Administration announced Thursday that 30 guns were detected in carry-on luggage in Salt Lake City in 2014. In 2013, 34 guns were detected.

More than 2,200 firearms were detected around the country in 2014, up from about 1,800 the year earlier.

The TSA reports the rate of guns per million passengers in Salt Lake City is 4.81. The national rate is 3.38 guns per million travelers.

The TSA says passengers can only pack unloaded firearms inside checked luggage.