BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The number of improper firearms detected at five North Dakota airports totaled 19 in 2024 — an increase of 7 over 2023. The Transportation Security Administration maintains security checkpoints at the airports and is responsible for preventing firearms from getting into secure areas at the airports and onto aircraft. In 2020, 9 firearms total were detected at three North Dakota airports. Hector Airport recorded the most firearms detected during 2024 at 8. Bismarck Airport came in second with 6 firearms detected. Williston Airport recorded 3 incidents while Minot and Grand Forks Airports each reported 1 incident in 2024. Firearms caught by TSA at North Dakota airport checkpoints, 2020 to 2024 20242023202220212020Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)63346Hector International Airport (FAR)83540Grand Forks International Airport (GFK)11211Minot International Airport (MOT)15422Williston Basin International Airport (XWA)30320 Nationwide during 2024, the Transportation Security Administration intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints. About 94% of them were loaded. The 2024 total is down a bit from the  6,737 firearms stopped in 2023. Those who want to travel with a firearm have to place the weapon unloaded and locked inside a hard-side case that is declared to the airline at the check-in counter. The case must be transported in checked baggage. When an improperly carried firearm is detected at a security checkpoint, a Transportation Security Administration officer immediately contacts local law enforcement, who then remove the individual and the firearm from the checkpoint area. Depending on local laws, the law enforcement officer may arrest or cite the individual. In addition to any action taken by law enforcement, individuals who bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint face a maximum civil penalty of $14,950, will have their TSA PreCheck eligibility revoked for at least five years and will undergo enhanced screening to ensure there are no other threats present. For more information on how to properly travel with a firearm, visit the transporting firearms and ammunition page on TSA.gov. View the complete list of penalties on TSA.gov. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW