Hartsfield-Jackson International had the most guns caught at airport security checkpoints of any airport in the country in 2016, with 198 firearms discovered last year.
That put Atlanta just ahead of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which had 192 guns caught at airport security checkpoints.
In third place was Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport with 128 guns caught at checkpoints.
The number of guns caught at Atlanta airport security checkpoints also set a record last year. The airport's previous record was 144 guns caught at checkpoints in 2015, which Hartsfield-Jackson whizzed by for 2016 by October.
The increase in gun discoveries comes as more travelers fly, and more people carry guns.
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport, but other airports have more passengers passing through security checkpoints. That’s because a majority of travelers at the Atlanta airport are only connecting, and go through security at another airport.
Across the country, a total of 3,391 guns were discovered in carry-on bags, an average of nine per day, according to the Transportation Security Administration. That's also a record, up 28 percent from 2,653 guns in 2015.
Of the guns caught at airport security checkpoints nationally, 83 percent are loaded, according to TSA.
Also caught at TSA checkpoints are inert grenades, sword canes, knives and other prohibited items.
Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi
Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi
Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi
Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi
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