The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it detected 3,391 firearms across checkpoints in US airports in 2016.

Last year, TSA screened more than 738 million passengers, which is 43 million more than in 2015.

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The discovery of 3,391 firearms in carry-on bags mark a 28% increase compared to the previous year.

Around 83% of the total guns detected in 2016 were loaded.

Greater Rochester International Airport reported no such incidents last year, compared to five being caught in 2015.

"Around 83% of the total guns detected in 2016 were loaded."

Meanwhile, Buffalo-Niagara International Airport witnessed an increase in the number of guns brought to the airport’s checkpoint, where six guns were detected against just two in 2015.

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The top five airports where TSA officers detected guns at checkpoints include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International with 198; Dallas / Fort Worth International with 192; George Bush Intercontinental at Houston with 128; Phoenix Sky Harbor International with 101; and Denver International with 98.

In the US, firearm possession laws vary depending on the state and locality.

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