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TSA: Firearm detection in TN airports decreases in 2023, but Nashville airport ranks fifth-highest nationally for detections

Twenty-seven firearms were detected in McGhee Tyson Airport in 2023. In 2022, 32 were detected, the Transportation Security Administration said.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said that 313 firearms were discovered in travelers’ carry-on luggage in Tennessee in 2023. 

This is 14% less than the 2022 statewide total, according to TSA. 

Twenty-seven firearms were detected in McGhee Tyson Airport in 2023. In 2022, 32 were detected, the TSA said. 

The administration said the Nashville International Airport led the state with 188 guns found—making it the fifth-highest in the nation in 2023. 

The only Tennessee airport that saw an increase in firearm detections between 2022 to 2023 was Tri-Cities Regional Airport, which saw an all-time high of nine detections, according to TSA. 

TSA said it screened approximately 15.9 million departing travelers at Tennessee airports, more than 15% than in 2022.

"Nationwide, a firearm was detected every 127,447 passengers screened. Even with overall decreases in airport totals, the rate for Tennessee airports was still nearly 2.5 times the national one—with one firearm discovered for every 50,776 passengers screened," TSA said. 

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