TSA intercepted 122 firearms at Chicago airports in 2023, including record number at Midway
The Transportation Security Administration intercepted 122 firearms at both Chicago airports last year, and a new record was set at Midway International Airport.
Officers stopped 72 handguns from making it through security checkpoints at O’Hare International Airport, a decrease from the previous year, according to the TSA.
A new annual record was set at Midway, where 50 firearms were seized — breaking the previous record of 42 handguns set in 2021.
“Responsible gun owners know where their guns are and they know not to bring them to a checkpoint,” said Brian Moses, acting Illinois TSA federal security director. “We urge passengers to start with an empty bag so you know with certainty that there is nothing prohibited inside. Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint is a careless, dangerous mistake that passengers can easily avoid.”