by Donald Wood
Last updated: 4:30 PM ET, Wed April 27, 2016
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Last week, the Transportation Security Administration found a record-breaking 73 firearms in carry-on lugagge at security checkpoints across the United States.
According to the official TSA Blog, 68 of the 73 firearms confiscated by the agency between April 15 and 21, 2016, were loaded, with 27 of those guns actually having a round in the chamber.
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The previous record was set in October 2015 when 68 firearms were found at security checkpoints, with 61 of the guns being loaded and 25 having a round in the chamber.
Unfortunately, last year was also a record-breaking year for firearms confiscation, as an astounding 2,653 firearms were found and recovered by TSA agents at security checkpoints, a 20 percent increase from the 2,212 found in 2014.
In addition to finding a record-number of firearms, the TSA is reporting that officers have also recently discovered replica firearms, BB and pellet guns, airsoft guns, brass knuckles, ammunition, batons, stun guns, small pocketknives and many other prohibited items.
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The TSA made it clear on the agency's website that travelers are permitted to carry firearms in checked baggage, but passengers must declare the weapons to the airline prior to the trip. For full details about how to properly travel with firearms, the TSA website has all the rules and regulations passengers need.
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