Florida Concealed Carry Inside Airports

Gregory Kielma • April 21, 2023

Kielma's Thoughts

   USCCA Instructor Gregg Kielma
Kielma's Friends and Students ask… , can I carry a firearm in an Airport?…
It Depends where you reside…. In Florida, do not conceal carry a firearm onto airport property ever...
Firearms and ammo unless in a secured and separated in you checked baggage and declared at check in at the airline counter will cause you problems that can cost thousands of dollars. 

Never ever, ever, cross the TSA /USA government check point with a firearm.  Always....always, tipple check your carry-on baggage before leaving home.

Here are the stories and statics ....

From the desk of Nathan Diller is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Tennessee. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com
On a recent morning at Nashville International Airport (BNA), travelers at the security checkpoint performed the pre-flight routine, but among those taking off their shoes and placing their belongings on plastic bins, a group of airport police officers quietly escorted a man out from behind the checkpoint.
No one seemed to notice he had been caught with a semi-automatic pistol in his carry-on – along with 14 rounds of ammunition, one of which was in the gun's chamber – barely throwing off the rhythm.
"You don't want people to become concerned, because we've got the situation under control," Stephen Wood, TSA Federal Security Director for Tennessee, told USA TODAY.
Officials at the Nashville airport have had plenty of chances to practice the art of subtlety. BNA has seen an uptick in firearms found in carry-ons, landing among the top five airports for the detection of firearms in 2022. And the incidents are on the rise nationally, too.

How many firearms did TSA find in 2022?

TSA officers at Tennessee airports detected 366 firearms in carry-on bags in 2022, a nearly 30% increase from the year before, according to a news release. BNA ranked as the fourth-highest airport in the country in TSA checkpoint firearm detections in 2022. The agency found one firearm for every 37,646 travelers screened in Tennessee, more than three times the national rate.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) topped the list, with 448 firearms detected.
Across the country, TSA officers found 6,542 firearms at airport security checkpoints, up from 5,972 in 2021 and 4,432 in 2019.

These were the top five airports for TSA checkpoint firearm detections in 2022:
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): 448
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 385
• Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 298
• Nashville International Airport (BNA): 213
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): 196

All of the states where those airports are located have weak gun laws, according to the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety.
The 2023 trends are not getting much better. New data from the TSA shows that in the first quarter of this year, security agents discovered an average of almost 17 firearms per day at the nation's security checkpoints. That's more than a 10% increase from the first quarter of last year. According to the agency, 93% of the guns discovered during security screenings were loaded.
"Firearms at TSA security checkpoints present an unacceptable safety and security risk to other passengers and I am deeply concerned that the majority of these firearms our TSOs catch are loaded," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. "If you carry a firearm to the checkpoint, our TSOs will see it and there will be significant penalties, to include federal penalties and additional screening, which may prolong the security screening process. You may still travel with a firearm – it just must be properly packed in your checked baggage and you must declare it to the airline."

How often does TSA find guns?

TSA screened more people in the U.S. in 2022 for one thing. The agency screened around 761 million passengers and crew, up almost 30% from 2021. In Tennessee, TSA officers screened close to 29% more departing travelers than the prior year.
But Wood said the agency noticed a particular uptick in the number of firearms at Nashville's checkpoints starting in July 2021, when legislation allowing the majority of adults to carry handguns without a permit took effect in Tennessee. And even with fewer passengers that year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wood said the airport saw more guns than in 2019.
"Probably a lot more people were carrying," he said. "They didn't have to have a permit to carry."
Typically, Wood added, passengers say they forgot the weapon was in their bag. The majority of firearms detected at Nashville's airport are semiautomatic weapons, he said, and more than 90% are loaded. Wood said the incidents are a "big safety concern."

What happens when TSA finds a firearm in carry-on luggage?

If a TSA officer discovers a firearm in a carry-on bag during the security screening process, they immediately notify local law enforcement, and the bag is diverted away from the passenger and monitored.
During USA TODAY's visit to the Nashville airport, the passenger was taken to an airport police podium adjacent to the security checkpoint lanes. "What happens to the firearm and the traveler is up to the discretion of the airport law enforcement agency," TSA said in a statement.
Passengers may be asked to take the firearm back to their car and return to security for screening, for example, or they could leave the weapon behind with law enforcement, according to Wood. After a firearm has been discovered in a traveler's carry-on luggage in Nashville, TSA officers take them through an enhanced security screening to ensure there are no other prohibited items before they continue on their trip. The passenger at Nashville's airport went through that process after his wife came and picked up the gun.
"We had one time an occasion where the person actually returned and had the same firearm with them again," Wood said.

Are guns allowed through TSA?
No.
"In addition to potential criminal citations, travelers face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint and TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis," TSA's statement said. "Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount includes whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition." There is also a nationwide database so TSA can tell if passengers are repeat offenders, Wood said.
That civil penalty can cost up to nearly $15,000. "It's a very costly mistake," Wood said. TSA sends passengers a letter to ask for their input on the incident and then makes a determination on the penalty.

Can you travel with a firearm on a plane?
 Yes, but not as a carry-on. You must pack any firearm in a checked bag, and they have to be unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case. Passengers also need to declare the firearm, along with ammunition and any firearm parts, at the airline ticket counter during check-in. TSA also advises passengers to check firearm laws at their destination, Wood said, "Because if you arrive somewhere like New York City, it's a lot different than Tennessee."

Kielma says, don't be a statistic. Always check for a weapon in your carry-on baggage multiple time before leaving home..... One mistake can cause you a lifetime of issues with the federal goverment....stay alert and stay safe!!!

Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY

By Gregory Kielma December 16, 2024
6 Mistakes That Turn a Self-Defense Shooting into a Legal Nightmare Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales A self-defense shooting is a chaotic, life-altering event. While surviving such an encounter is paramount, your actions in the immediate aftermath can either protect or ruin your legal standing. Avoiding certain mistakes can mean the difference between walking free or facing a lengthy legal battle. Here are six critical errors to steer clear of after defending yourself with a firearm. 1. Holding Your Firearm When Police Arrive When law enforcement responds to a shooting, officers often have minimal information. If you’re holding a firearm, they might mistake you for the threat. Even off-duty police officers are trained to disarm themselves when uniformed officers arrive. If it’s safe to do so, secure your weapon somewhere nearby – like a drawer or glove compartment – before they arrive. The last thing you want is for the police to misinterpret the situation and put you in danger. 2. Leaving the Scene It might be tempting to leave the scene of a self-defense shooting to avoid legal complications, but doing so could escalate the situation into a murder investigation. Today’s technology – cell phones, surveillance cameras, and witnesses – makes it nearly impossible to remain anonymous. If you’re not in immediate danger, staying at the scene and waiting for law enforcement is crucial. Fleeing can make authorities question your actions and motives, even if your actions were justified. 3. Screaming on the 911 When calling 911, stay calm and provide clear, concise information. While panic is natural after such an event, yelling or screaming into the phone can confuse the dispatcher and lead to inaccurate details being relayed to responding officers. State what happened, describe yourself, and give your location. For example: “I was forced to defend myself against an attacker. I’m wearing a blue shirt and black pants, and I’m at 123 Main Street. Please send medical help and police.” 4. Making a Detailed Statement to Police After a shooting, your body will be flooded with adrenaline, making it difficult to recall events accurately. Providing a detailed statement in this state can lead to inconsistencies that may harm your case later. Instead, give a brief statement such as, “I was in fear for my life and acted in self-defense.” Then, request to speak with an attorney before answering further questions. This approach not only protects your rights but also ensures you don’t unintentionally incriminate yourself. 5. Treating the Police as Allies or Enemies Law enforcement officers are there to investigate the scene, not to take sides. While many officers are pro-self-defense, assuming they’re automatically on your side can backfire. At the same time, treating them as adversaries can create unnecessary tension. Remain polite and respectful but avoid oversharing or trying to justify your actions without legal counsel present. 6. Tampering with Evidence It’s an instinct to want to secure a weapon left by the attacker, especially if it’s loaded. However, touching or moving evidence can cast doubt on your story and complicate the investigation. Unless it’s necessary for safety reasons, avoid altering the scene. Let law enforcement find the evidence exactly as it was to ensure it corroborates your account of the incident. The Bigger Picture: Preparing for the Aftermath Understanding how to handle the aftermath of a self-defense shooting is just as important as knowing how to defend yourself. Being mentally prepared for the legal and emotional consequences can save you from additional trauma. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind: Always Have Legal Representation Organizations that specialize in self-defense legal protection can be invaluable. Having an attorney on-call ensures you’ll receive immediate advice on what to say and how to handle the situation. This support can make all the difference in navigating the legal system. Handling Emotional Fallout After a Self-Defense Shooting A self-defense shooting doesn’t just end when the attacker is neutralized; the emotional aftermath can linger long after the legal proceedings are resolved. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions, including fear, guilt, and anxiety, even when your actions were justified. Seeking professional help to process these emotions can make a significant difference in how you cope with the incident. Mental health professionals, particularly those experienced in trauma, can provide tools to navigate the psychological impact of a life-or-death encounter. Why Documentation Is Critical After the dust settles, having thorough documentation of your training, firearm ownership, and any situational preparation can help your legal defense immensely. Keeping records of firearm safety courses, self-defense training, and even the steps you’ve taken to understand the law in your area c an demonstrate to a jury or prosecutor that you’re a responsible gun owner. Such evidence can bolster your case and counter any narrative that paints you as reckless or impulsive. Civil Lawsuits: The Hidden Risk Even when you’re cleared of criminal charges, you may face civil lawsuits from the family of the attacker. This can be a financially and emotionally draining process, especially if you’re unprepared. Protecting yourself through self-defense insurance or a legal protection plan is one way to mitigate this risk. These plans often cover legal fees and provide access to expert attorneys who specialize in self-defense cases, ensuring you’re not fighting alone. Every Detail Matters From what you say to how you act, every detail following a shooting will be scrutinized. Preparing ahead of time – through education and understanding the legal landscape – can be the key to protecting your freedom and reputation. A self-defense shooting is a harrowing experience, but avoiding these six mistakes can help ensure that you survive not just the confrontation, but the legal aftermath as well. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
By Gregory Kielma December 15, 2024
Choosing the Right Firearm FOR YOU! Let’s take a look. What is the best choice for YOU a Revolver or a Semi-Automatic ? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, Let’s start the beginning …a very good place to start! We’ll build your foundation together. Set up a consultation with FFL-Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma today. Let's do it right the first time! Personally, if you are only going to carry it on walks, I would recommend a single stack, compact 9 mm, something along these lines. Or for everyday conceal, a double stack 9mm or .45 Both have advantages and disadvantages. Choosing a Firearm That’s Great For You: Semi-Automatic Choose a gun that is ergonomic, we’ll need to find one that is comfortable for you. I also recommend a single stack for walks not every day conceal. With the single stack you will get a narrower grip profile, which provides two great benefits. First, being slimmer, it is easier to carry unobtrusively, and you will have a more confident hand hold of the weapon. Choosing a CCW (carry firearm) double stack gives you more fire power (15-20 rounds depending on manufacture) a little heavier due to capacity and the grip is wider. If carrying a firearm daily my choice is a double stack Glock 9mm. Enough firepower and conceals easily. Note: I’ve carried a Glock 19 Gen3, the same one for the past 35 years. I’ve run 35K plus rounds through this gun and, never, ever has it jammed on me. I take care of the gun. It’s cleaned and lubricated after each use and has been Tactical K Training and Firearms Armor Coated (patent pending) for a rust resistant coating. I have replaced the barrel spring and barrel only due to use. The slide and trigger are original! In addition, each semi auto firearm can be safely carried with “one in the chamber”, “loaded”. While that isn’t the technically correct term for a striker pistol, what it refers to is the fact that you can carry the gun ready to be fired, safely. By simply properly gripping the weapon, you can make it ready to shoot, without having to manipulate a safety. However, unlike a revolver, you can only activate the trigger by properly depressing the center of the trigger safety. Revolver: There are many great revolvers. Generally speaking, they are not as light, easy to conceal, or offer as long a sight plane as a semi auto pistol. There are a few exceptions, but they tend to be rare, in my experience. Now after we look at these choices, let’s find the one you are most comfortable with. After all, having a great gun, that you don’t want to carry, is worthless. It is still better than no gun. So, let’s ensure it meets your preferences, that’s my job. And the best way to find those out is to go with Gregg Kielma and shoot! Set up a consultation with FFL-Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma today. Let's do it right the first time! Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
By Gregory Kielma December 15, 2024
A person asked me, how do I tell a house guest they can come over but to leave their gun at home. I don't want guns in my house. How can I have that conversation for the future? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, if my friends do not want firearms in their home, I don’t bother going to their home. I can, however, say this, all my friends have firearms either on them or inside their home. I can say this, if a friend doesn’t have a firearm, I encourage them to purchase one through me and train with me so they can protect their home and loved ones. Remember when seconds count, law enforcement is 15 minutes away. (national average response time) Purchase, train and don’t be afraid. Like a screwdriver, the firearm is just a tool. Learn to respect it and be proficient with the tool. An acquaintance doesn’t want guns inside the house. How can I have that conversation for the future? An acquaintance may say, “I understand you have a concealed weapons permit. So, we’re clear, please do not bring any firearms inside my home.” The acquaintance may also say, “If you have the firearm on you, just lock it in your vehicle.” Note: I never ever leave a firearm in a vehicle....ever. How do you have that conversation? This could not be any simpler. Continues Kielma, I understand if you’re concerned by the thought of a firearm somewhere near you, I will not come over. My firearm is my tool that I've trained years with to become a responsible owner. Says Kielma, they would never have known it was on my person. I don't advertise, I treat the tool with respect and it's with me all the time if something nefarious should happen. This is my plan. Execute your plan. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
By Gregory Kielma December 15, 2024
How do police officers feel about a citizens right to carry a concealed weapon? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, “let’s take a look at one perspective from a police officer”. Please read the thoughts below. Extremely supportive. I am very much in favor of folks who want to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of their families. I'll give you an example. I stopped a fellow, I can't remember for what, but he was laying across his steering wheel with his hands on the dash and stated as I walked up that he does not agree to any searches of his property or person but will cooperate under duress, and that he is armed with a handgun. I asked where is the gun? He said it's in a backpack on his back seat. I replied that he has a problem then. He sighed and asked what the issue was. I told him the pistol was totally worthless in the backseat and should be in a quality holster in an accessible spot on his person. He liked that very much and we chatted about rights and guns a bit. He asked me if a took an oath and if I meant it. I said yes I did, and yes I sure as hell do. I became a cop in my mid-twenties and carried a pistol as soon as I was legally able to, and I'm for anyone else who can do the same. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
By Gregory Kielma December 14, 2024
How does Law Enforcement turn a safety off so quick when they pull it out? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales My friend an officer carries a Stacatto inside the waistband. It is single action, so it always remains chambered and hammer back. It has a thumb safety. When you carry a firearm with a thumb safety you train with it. For that matter you should when carrying any firearm, train with it frequently. So, to answer the question, in training you learn at the draw to hit the safety. When I carry a firearm with a safety it’s off in a millisecond when the barrel is out of the holster and ready to fire. It takes a lot of training to get fast. Trusting anyone carrying a pistol is spending time and practicing. It only makes you better. That said, LE in my area carry Glocks and Glocks do not have a manual safety. They never have and likely never will. They have a trigger safety which a lot of firearms have gone to and an internal drop safety. Says Kielma, “whichever you chose, practice, practice practice. It will make you better when and if the time arrives and you need to defend yourself”. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
By Gregory Kielma December 14, 2024
Here's a few theories as to why the UnitedHealthcare CEO's assassin chose to use a suppressed pistol. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales The one thing that is clear is why he used a suppressed weapon. He did not want to call any more attention to the incident than necessary. Ideally, he would have killed the CEO and walked away unnoticed. The suppressed pistol he used is an NFA weapon and very few people on earth have purchased one. This will likely be his downfall. When silencing a Browning type tilting breech handgun, a silencer will cause the weapon to malfunction with most every shot unless you have also added a booster between the suppressor and the pistol. (more on that in another blog) The assassin in New York was using a bizarre bolt action 9mm pistol. It was not jamming between shots; the was assassin was working the bolt on the pistol. The pistol is an NFA item; it is called a B&T VP9. Since this was an NFA weapon, the assassin should be caught in very short order. Above is what the bolt action suppressed pistol looks like. It has a standard magazine. To function the weapon, you push the bolt forward and twist to lock it before shooting. To unlock, twist the knurled knob and extract and eject. EDIT: It was a ghost gun likely on readily available parts. He likely completed the weapon with a 3-D printer. Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League grad and person of interest was arrested with the 3-D printed weapon and suppressor. It had nothing to do with a B&T VP9.
December 14, 2024
What would happen if someone walked into a gun store with a loaded gun in hand? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales This happened here a few weeks ago. Someone came in with an uncased rifle in hand. Like many small gun shops, I was armed, like I am 99% of the time in my shop or doing my normal daily business. I said, “Please Stop Right There.” My tone was polite, but I wasn’t asking, I was informing. Thankfully he obeyed the instruction he was given. I told my client I would get a case for him. I keep carrying cases on hand for clients who don’t have one. The man with the rifle was smart enough to mind his trigger discipline and didn’t do anything else to raise concerns, which is probably why the situation remained as calm as it did. Proper procedure would have been for the man to leave his weapon in his car, come into the shop, and explain he had a rifle but no case. I would have then given him a case to use. If he didn’t have a car and was walking to the store, he should have called before leaving home to explain and asked how the gun shop would like him to proceed. I didn’t get angry and didn’t acted out of turn. The man with the rifle put his weapon in the provided case, and I gave him gentle instruction about what to do next time. After that, I treated him like any other client, and it’s a safe bet I will not bring it up again with him unless he repeats the same mistake. EDIT: All I knew is a man carrying a rifle at a ready position had walked in. The presumption from myself was that the rifle was loaded. I dare say that would be the case in every gun shop; if you walk in carrying a gun, it doesn’t matter if it’s loaded or not, because ever firearm is consider it loaded. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
By Gregory Kielma December 13, 2024
Harris teams go to "Secret Weapon" This was supplied by Obama and O'Bidens arsenal!!! Now you know "the rest of the story" .
By Gregory Kielma December 13, 2024
Can the gun grabbers get around the Constitution in order to make gun ownership illegal? The only absolute guaranteed gun control advocates can offer is 110-pound women will have to fistfight 220-pound rapists. That is an absolute guarantee, and it would happen far more often because rapists and other criminals fear what people might have in their homes. If that fear were gone, attacks on unarmed citizens would increase tenfold. As far as a tyrannical government, the Chinese have never allowed citizens to own firearms. Since the year 1900, various Chinese governments have murdered more than 100 million Chinese people. China also runs concentration camps; that is how they make Nike shoes cheaply. Cheer up though, there is no firearms crime in China. When a government does not have to fear its citizens revolting against a tyrannical government, that is the logical outcome. Someone would declare themselves president for life and citizens would become subjects. All we need to do is adopt the policies of the Chinese Communists. No firearms, no freedom, a tyrannical government, concentration camps and the wholesale slaughter of American citizens by our tyrannical government. Sounds like a great idea to me! Think twice!
By Gregory Kielma December 13, 2024
Springfield Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing and Manufacturing Semi-Automatic Rifles and Silencers Wednesday, December 11, 2024 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Oregon EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for illegally possessing and manufacturing over 100 semi-automatic firearms and silencers. Andrew Rogers, 40, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in 2022, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received tips from concerned citizens that Rogers frequently purchased firearm parts. Investigators learned that in June 2022 alone, Rogers spent thousands of dollars on more than 120 firearm parts and accessories. On June 30, 2022, during a search of Rogers’ residence, investigators located 62 complete semi-automatic firearms, 45 silencers, several incomplete firearms, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and hundreds of firearm components, including magazines, triggers, and optic systems. Additionally, investigators found psilocybin, methamphetamine, a drill press, firearm manufacturing tools, and a 3D printer with a partially printed part for an AR15 rifle. Rogers’ wife estimated there were more than 100 firearms in the residence and that Rogers had manufactured most, if not all, of the firearms in his possession. The same morning, officers conducted a traffic stop of a motorcycle Rogers was operating and conducted a search of the backpack he was wearing. Inside, officers found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, a knife, and a semi-automatic pistol without an identifiable serial number. Rogers was arrested and placed in custody. On July 1, 2022, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for Rogers’ storage unit in Springfield, Oregon where they found 26 pistols, five rifles, four suppressors, and an assortment of firearm parts. A search of the Federal Licensing System (FLS) and National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) database systems returned no results for Rogers, meaning he was not licensed to manufacture, import, or sell firearms. The same day, Rogers was charged by criminal complaint with possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of unregistered silencers. On August 13, 2024, Rogers pleaded guilty to illegally possessing and manufacturing silencers. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Updated December 11, 2024
Show More
Share by: